ONE day it’s nearly 40 degrees, the next you’re preparing for possible flooding.
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Weather in the Lower Hunter has been many things lately, but boring is not one of them.
After a sweltering weekend in Maitland, including a maximum of 38 degrees on Sunday, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predicted cooler temperatures and developing rain from Tuesday.
The BOM was predicting a deluge of 70 to 120 mm of rain for Maitland today.
To put that in perspective, in the whole of February, Maitland received 132.5mm.
The city has not seen that much rain in one day since January 6, 2016, when 165mm fell.
By comparison, the super storm which brought the city to a halt in 2015, featured 128.5mm on April 21, followed by 307.5mm the next day.
On Tuesday afternoon, Maitland State Emergency Services (SES) Unit members began preparing for minor flooding after a BOM warning.
Minor flooding was forecast for the Paterson and Williams rivers, Wollombi Brook and Lower Hunter River.
Maitland City community engagement officer Alex Varley said members of the public joined in the efforts, assisting SES members in filling the sandbags.
“At the moment we are preparing communities in Dungog near the Myall Creek as per the Flood Watch issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, as well as the Lower Hunter for heavy rainfall,” she said on Tuesday afternoon.
People were encouraged to prepare their homes before the rain hit by cleaning gutters and downpipes and checking roofs for damage.
Maitland City Unit remained at their Rutherford headquarters until 9pm.
Anyone who requires sandbags is encouraged to contact 132 500.
Very intense bursts of rain, like the ones predicted for the Lower Hunter, are known for creating dangerous conditions.
People living or working along rivers and streams are urged to monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop.
Flood Warnings will be issued if the minor flood level is expected to be exceeded at key sites along the main rivers for which the Bureau of Meteorology provides a flood warning service.
Thursday will bring another high chance of showers, with a likelihood of thunderstorms in the morning and evening about the Lower Hunter.
Possible rainfall levels between 10 to 25mm are predicted, and Maitland can expect a top of 24 degrees.
There is also a high chance of showers on Friday, likely in the morning and early afternoon.
