Firefighters rescue residents trapped by Newcastle flash-flooding
Published: 30 Apr 2025 04:00pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have rescued at least four people trapped by flash-flooding during a storm front yesterday in Newcastle.
The storm struck parts of the city around 4pm, generating a number of Triple-Zero (000) calls for help to FRNSW, Police and the State Emergency Service.
FRNSW dispatched local crews, including a Technical Rescue Unit and Rescue Pumper, and a specialist In-Water rescue crew, from Lambton, to Merewether and Hamilton South to assist residents affected by large volumes of fast-moving flood-waters.
Authorities were surprised by the speed and force of the stormwater as Police closed numerous roads.
Firefighters rescued a man and a woman, trapped in cars caught in the knee-deep floodwaters.
Two women, whose houses in Little Edward Street were cut off by the sudden torrent, were guided to safety by firefighters, who also checked on the welfare of two more residents sheltering in their homes nearby.
The floodwaters dissipated within two hours.
There were no injuries reported during the operation.
Firefighters reported stormwater damage to a shed and some fencing in the area.
Media note – FRNSW footage of the incident can be obtained here: https://vimeo.com/1080430989/98072d4d93?ts=0&share=copy
Updated: 06 Mar 2026 5:29pm