The Hunter’s flood emergency focus has shifted to the Maitland area today where as many as three people remain unaccounted for after two vehicles became trapped in rising flood waters.
The Westpac Rescue helicopter as well as emergency services with flood boats are on scene searching an area of Cessnock Road near Gilleston Heights.
A witness says the car attempted to go around another car which had stalled, when it was swept into the rising flood waters.
Other travellers went to help but along with the occupant of the first vehicle, were washed away.
So far, the SES has received 2733 calls for help in the Hunter region alone.