On Tuesday morning four Macquarie Region SES staff members working out of its Dubbo headquarters packed a vehicle and drove to Maitland where they are working out of an operational centre.

They included the Macquarie region’s learning development officer, Gavin Arnold, who told the Daily Liberal of the possibility of a call-out to volunteers.

“Should the conditions get worse, there could be the possibility of a call for assistance from volunteers from across the Macquarie region,” he said.

The staff departed knowing all was well on the home front.

By Tuesday morning Macquarie Region SES volunteers had been called out only once since rain began falling, mostly at the region’s southern end.

Mr Arnold said an SES crew from Wellington had attended to a leaking roof in the town on Saturday night.

Before heading to Maitland, Mr Arnold encouraged residents to make sure they were prepared for any future storms, wind and rain.

“Residents are reminded to secure any loose items in their yards,” Mr Arnold said.

“Should anyone need assistance, please feel free to call the SES on 132 500.”

The Macquarie Region SES staff left Dubbo as the Hunter region bore the brunt of cyclonic conditions on the coast.

By early afternoon police had confirmed the death of three people at severely-flooded Dungog and SES deputy commissioner Steven Pearce confirmed more than 4500 requests for help.

“This is going to be catastrophic today,” he told Macquarie Radio.

NSW Premier Mike Baird asked people to be patient as emergency crews dealt with life-threatening situations.

Winds of about 100km/h and pelting rain felled trees, power lines and property, prompting schools, businesses and Newcastle University to close their doors.

The Macquarie region’s volunteers form units at Baradine, Carinda, Collarenebri, Coonamble, Dubbo, Dunedoo, Gilgandra, Glengarry, Lightning Ridge, Mudgee, Narromine, Nyngan, Rylstone, Walgett, Warren and Wellington.