Thousands have been left stranded by flooding overnight in New South Wales.

NSW State Emergency Services personnel have rescued hundreds of people from floodwaters and rooftops in the Mid North Coast and Hunter region - while thousands have lost power or been isolated by inundated roads. 

One person has died and five have been reported missing.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says multiple small towns have been cut off - and rescue efforts are ongoing.

LISTEN ABOVE

• Floods strand 50,000 as eastern Australia battles deluge