Flood threat recedes as residents return to river towns

Heavy downpours and flooding have kept emergency services busy with evacuation orders and rescues. (HANDOUT/HUSKISSON VOLUNTEER RURAL FIRE BRIGADE)

Residents are returning to river towns near Sydney as the risk recedes of dangerous flooding from mass downpours.

Richmond Bridge over the Hawkesbury River has reopened but emergency services still warn motorists to drive carefully as buildings, roads and bridges might have damaged in the deluge.