NSW SES have responded to more than 1,400 incidents in the state amid severe rainfall, thunderstorms and snow. Follow today’s news live

Emergency services are searching for a woman who police were told had escaped from a vehicle that was stuck in flood waters in the Hunter region.

Officers were called at about 7.50pm yesterday to Black Creek, 16 km north of Cessnock. The driver and passenger of a Mini Countryman had been seen getting out of the car.

The first and upmost priority for NSW police is always the safety of those protesting, other members of the public who may be impacted by the protest, and the officers involved in the operation.

Police will have a high-visibility presence at the operation today and will work with participants to ensure there are no breaches of the peace.