The central business district, the areas not under water, was a hive of activity with people coming and going from shopping centres, pubs, shops and cafes.

Meanwhile, the banks of Williams River were littered with people taking photos of the sheer volume of water that has swallowed Riverside Park and nearby streets including Hunter, King, Port Stephens and William Bailey streets.

Examiner photographer Stephen Wark captured the commotion in Raymond Terrace on Friday.

Power update: Extra crews in Port Stephens