Lithgow saw a deluge of rain that left homes and businesses flooded last week. Photos and videos posted to social media show the devastation caused around the greater Lithgow area on Tuesday, January 11.
Coles Lithgow confirmed that the store had to close its doors due to damage from the storm and St Patricks Catholic Church had to resort to pumping water out once the flooding became too much.
Father Garry McKeown said with the help of other parishioners and Bryon Smith of BJ's Carpet Cleaning they pumped out at least 1000 litres of water. Mr Smith said he worked for days, with little rest, helping the community.
"He worked there until seven o'clock and got rid of most of it. Now we're back in action," Father Garry said. "I just had mass there. It's still a bit damp under the feet but ... it's gradually drying out. It was a bit of a crisis there for a while.
"I think we were very lucky. It was such a freak storm and it built up around the back of the church and created a huge dam."
Lithgow Council issued a warning to residents.
"Waterways were flooded and in some areas overflowing. The stormwater lines were also overloaded and some sewer manholes were lifted because of stormwater inflows. Roads, buildings and sporting fields were also flooded," council said in a statement.
Council said staff responded immediately, inspecting infrastructure and water mains and bringing in traffic controls. Repairs are required to roads, footpaths, sports fields, creek embankments and water and sewer infrastructure.