Belford flood rescue as Newcastle and Hunter escape the worst of NSW disaster so far

Maitland and Singleton SES volunteers were called to rescue people trapped in a Belford home on Monday night after more than a metre of water flooded the home.

"These residents have been in the property for years and have never seen water like this," Singleton SES said in a statement. "This flooding was flash flooding caused from the intense rainfall that fell in the area over the last few days.

"This is a good reminder that every flood can act differently. While we can watch the river and how it rises, flash flooding can occur at anytime with heavy rainfall."

Schools in Broke, Clarence Town, Denman, Dungog, Glen William, Gresford, Jerrys Plains, Laguna, Martins Creek, Vacy and Milbrodale were among those closed on Tuesday due to the adverse weather.

Mount Kanwary at Osterley also shut alongside Paterson Public School and Seaham Public School. Dungog and Singleton had both high schools and primary schools closing, while Islington Public School remained closed after the Wickham fire.

Wollombi brook was among the waterways expected to peak, with major flooding flagged for its surrounds. Both the Paterson and Williams rivers were expected to deliver minor flooding under alerts issued on Tuesday morning.

The likelihood of rain in Newcastle lingers until at least Monday.

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