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EXPECT to see bright orange overalls and hear chainsaws across the Hunter for several more days or possibly weeks as SES crews continue to work after last week's devastating storms.
SES volunteers from across the state worked shifts up to 20 hours long when the storm first rolled in, responding to thousands of calls.
SES operations officer Garry Luxton said the amount of destruction caused by last week's weather was comparable to the 2007 Pasha Bulker storm.
With winds of up to 135km/h and heavy rainfall drenching the soil for hours on end, countless trees brought down live power lines and blocked off roads, shutting down the region.
"The prolonged rain before high winds hit really loosened up the soil," he said.
"There is so much more foliage on the trees in April compared to June, when the Pasha Bulker storm hit.
"Even when the Pasha storm hit I didn't see as much on the streets - the number of signs and debris thrown around has been remarkable."
Last week Hunter SES volunteers were joined by 13 local Rural Fire Service teams, nine local Rescue NSW teams and Fire and Rescue NSW teams.
They worked around the clock to remove the fallen trees.
On Wednesday a volunteer SES crew from Barraba cut down a tree in the car park of Souths Merewether, which was deemed dangerous after earlier storms.
Crew leader Barbara McGregor said she expected the crew to be in Newcastle for at least 36 hours to help make the city safe.
Mr Luxton said the SES expected more calls for help to keep coming through as more people had their power restored.
Even 24 hours after the height of the storm, the SES was receiving between 20 and 30 calls an hour from people requiring assistance.
Some of the worst places hit have included Douglas Street, Stockton; George and Mounter streets at Mayfield; as well as the suburbs of Blacksmiths, Edgeworth, Barnsley and Teralba.