Gale-force winds and rising flood waters have forced the evacuation of hundreds of people in New South Wales.

More than 200,000 homes remain without electricity in the Hunter Valley and Central Coast regions, and in Sydney.

Some 12 ships have run aground in huge seas, and there are fears that one of the vessels - a coal freighter - may break up and spill its fuel.

Police put the confirmed death toll at five, after the bodies of a man and two children were found.