Severe Weather Declared a Natural Disaster in NSW as Floods and Power Outages Persist

Storms and heavy rainfall have caused widespread damage, isolating communities and leaving tens of thousands without power across New South Wales.

The NSW and federal governments have declared a natural disaster in three areas: Maitland, Port Stephens, and Snowy Valleys, unlocking disaster relief funds for affected residents and businesses.
Over 260,000 homes and businesses lost power at the peak of the storms, with about 40,000 properties still without electricity as of Saturday morning.
Emergency services have responded to more than 8,000 incidents since Wednesday, including flood rescues and damage from fallen trees and power lines across Greater Sydney and the Mid North Coast.
Communities in Wingham, Fosteron, and Bandon Grove face isolation due to flooding, while evacuation warnings remain for areas downstream of Chichester Dam and other vulnerable regions.
Weather conditions are expected to ease over the weekend, but localized flooding and minor rainfall continue to pose risks in affected areas.