News

The NSW SES has received 1309 calls on its 132 500 emergency line, resulting in 688 jobs as a consequence of severe storms that tore through eastern NSW yesterday.

The worst affected areas were around Port Macquarie on the Mid-North Coast, Kurri Kurri and Cessnock in the Lower Hunter Valley, and Toukley on the Central Coast.

Kurri Kurri was impacted by a short intense storm, resulting in several instances of severe damage, primarily to residential properties. Some council owned and community facilities in Kurri Kurri were damaged including the Library and Aquatic Fitness Centre.

The NSW SES today will have 10 local SES teams, supported by two SES teams from the Tamworth area and four SES teams from Southern Sydney. There is additional invaluable support from seven RFS teams. Progress in completing the remaining 85 jobs will be slowed by some rather large technical jobs which require technical skills due to whole roofs off. Most calls are expected to be finalised by the close of today.

In Toukley, there was also severe damage to some properties from the severe storm. Today there will be 11 SES teams sourced locally supported by 10 RFS teams and four Fire and Rescue NSW crews. All requests for emergency assistance are expected to be completed today.

On the Mid North Coast Port Macquarie was affected with 120 jobs received in a short period. More than half of these have been completed with the remainder prioritized and crews dispatched this morning and should be completed today. There 17 SES teams in the field today with support from the RFS and Fire and Rescue NSW.

As fine weather has returned, property owners and renters should consider preparing their properties for the next time storms strike. A few simple actions can make a big difference.

• Clean gutters and downpipes
• Trim overhanging trees and branches
• Secure or put away loose items in yards or balconies

Call 132 500 for emergency help - 000 in life threatening situations

Learn more on how you can prepare now for storm season