The central business district was hit by a torrential lunchtime downpour that resulted in widespread flash flooding.

According to online weather site www.weatherzone.com.au, 16.8mm of rain fell in just 15 minutes from 12.56pm.

The old Woolworths outlet in the Stockland shopping centre was just one of the shops forced to close as owners cleaned up after the downpour.

The Western Advocate understands part of the roof collapsed and fragments fell on customers near register 11. No one was hurt.

Builders were on site soon after to repair the damage.

A Woolworths spokeswoman said the damage was being assessed late yesterday afternoon.

“We had to close the store due to damage,” she said.

“We’re not sure when it will reopen but that will only happen when it’s 100 per cent safe to do so.”

The Healthy Life outlet in the shopping centre was also hit hard by the storm, and businesses fronting William Street were significantly damaged after a river of water gushed down the footpath towards Durham Street, carrying with it mud and debris.

Water came in through the back of the Professionals Real Estate, causing damage to the floorboards. A portion of the roof also collapsed under the pressure of the rain.

Cotton On was inundated with water from an alleyway at the back of the shop.

According to staff, piles of stock was written off and two racks at the front of the store were blown up the street.

It is likely the carpet will have to be replaced. Staff said the damage was untimely, with Christmas just around the corner.

Across the road, Autograph closed its doors to clean up, as did Barkins in Bathurst City Centre.

Howick Street business Rivers was also closed due to flooding.

Spotlight joined the list of affected businesses and its car park was cordoned off.