Flooded town needs warning system after 'unprecedented' superstorm killed three: coroner

A New South Wales coroner has recommended setting up an automated flood warning system after a flood claimed the lives of three people in the Hunter Region.

The once-a-millennium event hit the town of Dungog in the early hours of April 21 in 2015.

Colin Webb, 79, Robin MacDonald, 68, and Brian Wilson, 73, were killed during the sudden and unprecedented flood event.

Four homes were also washed away while 46 premises were damaged and six businesses were inundated by flood waters.

Handing down her findings in Glebe Coroners Court today, Deputy State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan said the extraordinary weather event was matched by the conduct of the residents of Dungog, which, in many cases, was “nothing short of heroic”.

Among the recommendations was the set-up of a technical advisory group that would, in the short term, respond to flood and flash flood events in Dungog, including the Myall Creek catchment.

In the long term, the coroner recommended developing an automated flood warning system.

It was also recommended the NSW State Emergency Service be given access to an out posted meteorologist from the Bureau of Meteorology for ongoing planning and consultation as well as assistance during weather events.