Some parched NSW towns have received more rain in 24 hours than they have all year but it's not enough to break the drought that's gripped the state for months.
Western regions received significant falls overnight generated by a trough that will cross central NSW before moving into the Hunter Valley, the Bureau of Meteorology says.
"It's going to give some brief respite but unfortunately we need a lot more," bureau metrologist Simon Louis told reporters on Thursday.
"These aren't the sort of rainfall totals that will break the drought."
Far western Broken Hill recorded 34mm in just 24 hours as a storm hit the town, eclipsing the 24.6mm it received between January and September this year.
Local farmer Lachlan Gall, who runs sheep and cattle east of the regional centre, said the rainfall had been sporadic, with some stations receiving 100mm while his own got just 2mm.
"It seemed to turn into a bit of a rain band and that provided a bit of relief for some lucky people," Mr Gall told AAP
"Everyone's still here, we're still battling on."
The State Emergency Service was kept busy with volunteers responding to more than 40 jobs around the town including roof damage and one car saved from flash flooding.
Dubbo received 18mm after getting just 6.8mm during September.
But it was the southwestern village of Pooncarrie which recorded the biggest drenching, 53mm in the 24 hours to 9am on Thursday.
The SES is urging east coast residents - particularly those on the central and lower mid north coasts and the Hunter - to prepare for heavy rain, strong winds and possible flash flooding.
Meanwhile, in the Riverina, just a sprinkling of rain fell on some farms despite grey skies blanketing much of the region.
The tiny grain community of Barellan looks relatively green but lifelong resident June Inglis says irrigation has been expensive and many farmers are struggling.
"There are a lot of farmers who won't have any crops at all now," she told AAP on Thursday.
The few millilitres of rain that fell over the past few days offer hope but people aren't rushing to celebrate because much of Barellan's economy has stalled.
