Clean up efforts are set to continue after almost 1000 incidents were recorded following damaging winds across NSW yesterday.
NSW State Emergency Service (SES) crews still have more than 150 incidents to attend to today following damaging winds across the state yesterday.
Conditions have eased, as severe weather warnings were cancelled late last night.
Severe weather brought down trees, powerlines and damaged buildings. The worst hit area was Campbelltown, followed by Camden.
NSW SES State Duty Commander, acting Assistant Commissioner Greg Swindells said volunteers and emergency service partners had been working through the night.
“Our volunteers have done a great job, and we thank their families and their employers who allow them to continually go to the aid of their communities,” Assistant Commissioner Swindells said.
Over the last week, around 1200 volunteers respond to just under 3000 incidents across Sydney, the Illawarra and NSW South Coast.
Assistant Commissioner Swindells said with the weather situation improving, now is the time to tidy up your homes ahead of the next weather event.
“We know during warmer months the frequency of severe storms increases,” he said.
“It is important people prepare for storms. You can do simple things like securing loose items outside, trimming trees and branches away from properties – it will make a difference the next time the wind strikes.”
Meanwhile, late last night a team of 29 SES volunteers deployed to Victoria to assist with the clean up in and around Melbourne.
“The team of chainsaw and working at heights specialists will work directly with our Victorian counterparts following destructive weather over the last 48 hours.
“We regularly offer assistance to our interstate counterparts, and they too often return the favour when severe weather strikes.
Operational Statistics:
STATEWIDE: 992
SOUTHEAST: 274
METRO: 609
Incidents outstanding: 158
Busiest units: Campbelltown (81), Camden (55), Blue Mountains East (46), Blacktown (45), Liverpool (37), Penrith (35), Sutherland (37), Moss Vale (34), Wingecarribee (33), Wollongong (31). Damaged building/property: 187 Tree incidents: 639
Incidents of note:
- Wollongong – Large tree down over Mangerton Road properties. Road completely blocked.
- Helensburgh – Two people trapped in vehicle with powerlines and tree down on road in front and behind car. No injuries.
- Minto – Several large trees down on a property with the metal roof loose.
- Campbelltown – Chamberlain and Broughton Streets closed due to a roofing sheets flying off and landing on nearby streets.
- Panania – Brick balcony has blown inward and threatening to fall on childcare centre playground.
