For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call NSW SES on 132 500   In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
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Local information

Upper Hunter

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Local Government Area
Upper Hunter
River catchments
Hunter River
Macquarie-Bogan Rivers
Manning River
Namoi River
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Upper Hunter

The Upper Hunter Shire Local Government Area encompasses several towns and villages, each situated within unique catchment areas with distinct geographical features. Aberdeen, the third largest town, lies on the Eastern Bank of the Hunter River, near the confluence of six river systems. Merriwa, located at the Western extremity, is bordered by the Merriwa River, while Cassilis, a historic village between Merriwa and Dunedoo, spreads along the Munmurra River. The Murrurundi sector includes Murrurundi, Blandford, and Willow Tree, with catchments sourced from the Liverpool Range and the Namoi River Basin. Scone, situated on a floodplain, faces inundation risks from various creeks and rivers, exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure like culverts along the Liverpool Road.

The local information page provides valuable resources for your Local Government Area (LGA). You can explore flood information for your local river catchment through Local Flood Insights, access local flood plans and guides, and connect with local councils and NSW SES units.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is at significant risk of flooding and is prone to isolation during major floods, with the New England Highway on both sides potentially cut off. Major floods occurred in 1955 and 1971, with the latter reaching 10.2 meters at the Aberdeen Gauge, and the 1955 flood approximately 10.4 meters. More recent significant floods happened in 1992 and 1996. The catchment area, largely farmland and semi-natural forests, contributes to the flooding risk by influencing the river systems.

Merriwa – Cassilis

In Merriwa, flooding can occur from the Merriwa River and its tributary, Whitneys Creek, with fast flows from Whitneys Creek and backwater inundation near the Merriwa River. Cassilis is at risk from the Munmurra River and Two-Mile Creek, which can isolate the town for several hours during severe floods. Both areas face significant flooding risks, impacting accessibility and infrastructure.

Murrurundi, Blanford and Willow Tree

The Murrurundi sector, including Murrurundi, Blandford, and Willow Tree is prone to flooding, and often results in flash floods with short warning times, with significant recent events occurring in 1996. Typically, minor flooding inundates residential backyards along the Pages River, and severe damage can occur if the right bank at Adelaide Street is breached.

Scone

Scone can experience inundation on both its eastern and western sides, exacerbated by inadequate culverts on Liverpool Road, which acts as an embankment. The Scone bypass, which crosses these catchments, could lead to severe flooding if floodwaters from the western and eastern sources converge. Major floods in Scone occurred in 1955, 1971, and 1976, with the 1955 event having a 1 in 100 chance of recurring annually. Significant flooding also happened in February 1992. Due to recent developments and the bypass construction, severe events could potentially isolate Scone completely by road.

Local Flood Insights

The Local Flood Insights tool offers an overview of flood-prone areas, historic flood events, and modelled flood risks through detailed maps, data and community stories. This website-based platform combines flood inundation mapping, photos and personal accounts from local residents about the impacts of past floods and ways to prepare for future floods.

This information is useful to community members, travellers, or anyone wanting to learn more about local flooding. Explore NSW SES Local Flood Insights to make informed decisions about flood safety and preparedness.

Select a river catchment below to view the Local Flood Insight for each corresponding catchment area. To see all catchment areas, visit the Local Flood Insights page.

Local SES units

Aberdeen Unit

77 Abercairney Terrace , Aberdeen, NSW 2336

Merriwa Unit

Bettington St , Merriwa, NSW 2329

Murrurundi Unit

38 Liverpool St , Murrurundi, NSW 2338

Scone Unit

74 Main Street , Scone, NSW 2337

Latest News

Media release
News
Severe thunderstorms on Thursday afternoon and evening impacted many areas including Sydney, the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains districts.
Media release
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NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is warning afternoon storms will continue over the next several hours.
Media release
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The NSW State Emergency Service is prepared for an increase in storm activity, with severe weather expected in many areas.