“Torrential rain hit Cessnock City on Saturday, resulting in flash flooding and a number of road closures. Wollombi was one of the worst affected areas, as the large front travelled down from Northern NSW. Caroline Maul of Mulla Villa Guest House was one of many Wollombi residents and local business owners who took to Facebook to warn travellers and advise drivers of the dangerous conditions. “We were warned by the news to be ready for some heavy rain,” she said. “Tourists and locals were able to move safely around Wollombi town up to about 10pm. “Then as the night progressed we got the storm and by daybreak we were cut off from both directions.” Several roads in the Wollombi Valley were under large volumes of water and according to a report on Facebook, the Brickmans gauge indicator showed eight metres – six metres over the safe level.’’