Storm forces street flooding, shops to close: Your Pictures - The Newcastle Herald

A severe thunderstorm  with damaging winds hit the Hunter at about 3pm on Tuesday, temporarily flooding roads and causing chaos at school pick up time. 

A tree fell on the New England Highway at Lochinvar, closing it in both directions shortly before 3pm, and heavy rain came through the ceiling at Maitland's Hunter mall, forcing it to be evacuated. The highway reopened at about 4pm.  

Lake Macquarie City Council's administration building was flooded, with staff evacuated and phones down, officials said. 

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Flooding at Cottage Creek, Newcastle West at about 3pm. Picture Hannilie Alcova