Search underway for woman swept away in Hunter Region floodwaters after wild weather batters NSW

A search is underway for a woman swept away by floodwaters after days of wild, wet and windy weather.

The 26-year-old woman was a passenger in a Mini Countryman that became stuck in floodwaters at Black Creek on Old North Rd in Rothbury — a rural area in NSW’s Hunter region — about 7.50pm on Saturday.

She and the 27-year-old female driver managed to escape the car, but the woman was swept away.

The driver was uninjured.

The pair, both Chinese nationals on working visas living in Sydney, were on a weekend getaway to the Cessnock area, NSW Police Superintendent Steve Laksa told reporters on Sunday.

After becoming concerned about rising water levels, they drove through a causeway to collect their luggage from their accommodation and began making their way back to Sydney.

But by the time they returned to the causeway, the water had risen significantly, forcing them to exit the car via the driver’s side.

Both women — along with a dog travelling with them — were swept into the fast-moving causeway waters.

The 27-year-old managed to reach the bank with the dog, but the 26-year-old has not yet been found.

Laksa said the missing woman is an engineer who has lived in Australia for three years.

She lives in Drummoyne and was unfamiliar with the Cessnock area and local water conditions.

The woman’s cousin, who also lives in Sydney, has been notified, along with her family in China.

Police are liaising with the Chinese consulate.

Laksa added the water was two metres over the roadway, but on the edge of the road, the embankment dropped four metres — meaning there was about six metres of water in total.

“The waterway was running, and even though it might look quite calm on the surface, you’ve got six metres of water rushing through that area — so it’s quite significant, and from the road, you might not be aware of that,” he said.

“So anyone driving through a foot of water needs to be cautious of the condition of the road underneath — and also be aware of how high the water may be on the banks of the road.”

The search was suspended overnight but resumed on Sunday.

Man found clinging to tree

During the rescue response, NSW State Emergency Service (SES) crews also found a 40-year-old man clinging to a tree nearby after he too became trapped in floodwaters.

He was swept further downstream along Black Creek before SES crews could reach him.

Crews managed to follow him and eventually pull him to safety.

He was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital for assessment.

Old North Rd remains closed due to flooding, and residents in affected areas are urged to avoid hazards such as damaged power lines and floodwaters across roads.

Severe weather across state

NSW is experiencing major to moderate flooding across the state, with 1455 incidents reported amid heavy rain, thunderstorms and snow.

The SES said a number of flood rescues were carried out overnight, with most involving people trapped in vehicles after driving into floodwaters.

An emergency warning remains in place for parts of Scone due to major flooding, with residents urged to evacuate.

Major flood warnings have also been issued for the Peel and Namoi Rivers at Tamworth, Manilla and Gunnedah.

Meanwhile, moderate flooding is expected on the Paterson and Williams Rivers at Gostwyck Bridge, Dungog and Mill Dam Falls, while minor flood warnings have been issued for the Myall, Severn, Manning, Gloucester, Macleay, Nepean and Gwydir Rivers.

In addition, unprecedented snowfall around Armidale and Guyra on Saturday afternoon has created dangerous road conditions.

SES crews responded as more than 100 vehicles became stuck in snow on the New England Hwy, Waterfall Way, Norris Dr and Grafton Rd.

Rainfall is expected to ease on Sunday, with 20mm to 50mm forecast over 24 hours.

However, river levels remain a concern, the SES said.

Members of the public are strongly advised never to drive through floodwater.

“If you come across a flooded road, stop, turn around and find another route,” the SES warned.

Unnecessary travel should be avoided, especially as black ice may cause hazardous road conditions.

Stay updated on the latest warnings and weather information.

If you require assistance, contact the NSW SES on 132 500.

For life-threatening emergencies, always call triple-0.