More than 40 people have been rescued, thousands are without power and a number of evacuation orders are in place as heavy rain, flash flooding and intense winds batter the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions.

Taree experienced the heaviest downpour, with almost 267 millimetres of rainfall recorded in the 24 hours to 9am and significant flash flooding, while Mount Barrington, north-west of Newcastle, recorded 232 millimetres and Port Macquarie recorded 226 millimetres.

The NSW SES responded to more than 1071 calls for assistance in the 24 hours to 3pm on Tuesday, with 41 flood rescues.

“We’re glad these people have all been brought to safety, but these incidents act as a timely reminder never to drive, walk or play in floodwaters. If it’s flooded, forget it,” NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey said.

Evacuation orders are in place for parts of Taree, Gloucester, Wingham, Bulahdelah, Paterson, Dungog, Croki and Coopernook as a result of flooding. SES crews have been doorknocking in high-risk areas.

NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib thanked the 1600 SES volunteers on the ground and described the situation as “unpredictable and ever-changing”.

“At the moment things seem to have settled in some parts, but we know that the rain is heading north and it may come back in and develop into another form of a rain band,” he said.

More than 4000 people are without power in the Mid North Coast region, with a further 400 in Newcastle. Essential Energy and Ausgrid are working to restore the connections.