The Williams River at Dungog peaked at 6.79 metres early on Thursday with minor flooding while the Paterson River at Gostwyck Bridge was expected to remain below the minor flood level on Thursday afternoon.

The Hunter river, while not in flood, saw low-lying areas inundated including the Melville Ford Bridge. 

NSW SES volunteers and other emergency services were kept busy with more than 500 calls for assistance across the Hunter after the coastal trough, surrounded by two high-pressure systems, moved into the region on Wednesday morning.

More than 20 roads were still closed on Thursday. Dungog high, Dungog Public School and Dungog Preschool sent students home early on Wednesday and remained closed on Thursday as the situation evolved. They are expected to re-open on Friday. 

Most of the rain fell across Newcastle, Barrington Tops and the Dungog area. Chichester recorded 240mm since 9am on Wednesday and Dungog received more than 200mm.

Farmers across the Lower Hunter have been left grinning after much-needed rain fell on their dry paddocks. Some received more rain than others. 

Wallarobba dairy farmers Jamie and Gaylene Marquet had 148mm – the most rain they’ve seen in a year. 

The suffering from months of drought conditions in the Lower Hunter hasn’t been wiped away, but it is a promising start.

The Marquet’s hope the winter crops they planted will be ready to nourish the cattle in a few weeks. They are also hoping for suitable weather to keep the moisture in the soil.

The deluge filled all of the dams on the Stork family property at Glen Oak, alleviating the stress and worry about water security.

Upper Hunter farmers missed out on the rain.