Roofs were blown off, ceilings collapsed, and trees bowled over by a quick but brutal storm that impacted Port Macquarie just before 5pm yesterday afternoon.
Wind gusts of 98 km/h blew through Grafton with 96km/h recorded at Lismore. The NSW SES Port Macquarie Hastings Unit has been kept busy with Commander Michael Ward saying they have received 75 jobs since the storm came through.
“The storm resulted in significant damage. We had all hands on deck to assist impacted residents as quickly as possible” Michael said.
The NSW SES had six crews from Port Macquarie, two from Wauchope and one each from Camden Haven, Stroud, Taree, Wingham and Forster/Pacific Palms attending.
“I was exceptionally proud of my members – we had six teams in the field until just after midnight,” Michael said.
“We cleared 60 jobs last night that involved significant damage, which is a fantastic effort. We have teams out again today dealing with the remaining jobs. I would like to thank all of the surrounding units that sent teams to assist as well.”
Across the state, the NSW SES received more than 300 calls for help since Monday morning.
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500, or if life-threatening call Triple-Zero (000).
