NSW Premier Mike Baird is asking people to be patient as emergency crews deal with life-threatening situations during the storms that are battering the state.
His plea comes as police confirm the death of three elderly people in the small town of Dungog in the Hunter region, which has been severely flooded.
"People need to be patient while we focus very clearly on the critical services in health and aged care," the premier told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.
He said there had been more than 4500 calls for assistance and up to 1000 calls to triple-zero.
"We will get to you," Mr Baird said.
In a life-threatening emergency people should call triple-zero, otherwise the SES number was 132 500.
The premier warned residents, especially in the Hunter and Central Coast regions, not to enter floodwaters.
"Many flood rescues have been from people entering floodwaters they shouldn't be entering, he said.
"There has been over 47 flood rescues. Over 200,000 homes and businesses that have lost their power."
Emergency Services Minister David Elliott described the weather system as a "one-in-a-decade storm".
The 500 SES volunteers were risking "life and limb" to ensure that the people of NSW got through the storm.
"Today's events are going to test our emergency services," Mr Elliott said.
SES Commissioner Adam Dent said people should hold off on non-essential travel.
Share
