'Bear with us': SES volunteers inundated with callouts as wind wreaks havoc

UNDER THE PUMP: SES crews across Lake Macquarie and Newcastle have been inundated with calls for help. Picture: Simone De Peak

VOLUNTEER crews have been inundated with calls for help as the aftermath of strong winds wreak havoc across Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.

Units in Cooranbong, Lake Macquarie, Swansea and Catherine Hill Bay have received 80 requests for assistance since yesterday with more than 40 still on the to-do list after powerlines were brought down, trees fell on houses and roads were blocked.