3:30pm Tuesday 31 October 2023
NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers are working into the evening, as the clean-up continues following damaging winds in Sydney earlier today.
NSW SES Senior Manager of State Operations, Chief Superintendent Dallas Burnes, said strong wind gusts of 104 km/hr were detected at Badgerys Creek, bringing down a large number of trees onto houses, cars, and powerlines.
“Since 3am our volunteers have responded to more than 460 calls for help across metropolitan Sydney,” Chief Superintendent Burnes said.
“We’ve seen many powerlines brought down in this wind, creating hazardous conditions. Our crews have been diligently working throughout the day and will continue to work into the evening to clean up after the storm.”
The majority of the calls were for downed trees, however, there have also been reports of significant damage to several commercial and residential properties. Liverpool, Campbelltown, Penrith, Camden and Fairfield were the most heavily affected areas.
“In Bringelly and Greendale we saw entire roofs blown off buildings in separate incidents,” Chief Superintendent Burnes said.
“This is a timely reminder for our community to take the time to prepare your homes – take simple steps like securing loose items around your yards, and trimming trees and bushes away from property.”
Breakdown of incidents:
Trees down causing damage: 304
Powerlines down: 35
Powerlines threatened: 20
Electrical infrastructure damaged: 11
Roads damaged: 81
Fences damaged: 56
Driveways damaged: 48
Tile roofs damaged: 46
2-storey buildings damaged: 26
Car or vehicle damaged: 26
Other damage: 130
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
