The main weather station at Orange Airport recorded just 26 millimetres, but heavier falls occurred further north, including hail mid-afternoon.

Hillview [near Mount Canobolas] recorded 110mm, Kite Street recorded 88mm, 73mm fell at North Orange and the Orange Agricultural Institute recorded 50mm. 

The falls resulted in flash flooding across  the city as some homes and garages took in water.

The East Orange Channel between Summer Street East and Icely Road rose to residents’ fence lines, and one man decided to swap his car for a kayak near the intersection of Autumn and Byng streets.

SES central west region controller Craig Ronan said the call-outs had been in response to flash flooding and leaking roofs, but little damage was caused.

“There was a huge amount of rain in a short time and we were working until 10pm [on Saturday night], with another three jobs this morning [Sunday],” he said.

NSW Farmers vice president and apple orchardist Peter Darley said the storms were welcome, however, the hail caused some concern.

“There’s minimal damage at this stage,” he said.

“Our dams are full, but you get nervous when you see storms of this velocity.”

VIDEO: The creek in National Park during Saturday's rain:

Weatherzone meteorologist Kim Westcott said the low pressure system responsible for the storm had brought several rain cells and showers were expected to continue through much of the week.

“Behind that is a big blow of cold air from Tasmania and Victoria and that’s not going to break down until the weekend,” she said.

Minimum temperatures are expected to drop to 8 degrees by Thursday, with maximums dropping as low as 18 degrees.

This month’s rainfall tally at the airport weather station is 78 millimetres, with 2006 holding the record for the wettest January, with 134 millimetres.

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au