Power outages are still affecting NSW
17/12/2018 04:01 PM
Communities of NSW have been impacted by severe thunderstorms since Thursday 13 December.
Job numbers continue to climb with a total of 4,779 jobs since the start of the event (Thurs 13 Dec). NSW SES has 124 storm damage teams active with 450 personnel deployed (including RFS and FR NSW).
The majority of storm damage across these areas relates to trees down and roof damage. With the worst of the storms over, NSW SES continues to plan for predicted Thunderstorms over the next 24 hours.
Areas impacted the worst include:
- The Hills 860 jobs
- Hornsby 649 jobs
- Parramatta 442 jobs
- Campbelltown 374 jobs
Power outages are affecting particular areas, notably the Hills District and Hornsby and Tamworth.
Significant issues
Severe thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in Cessnock, Maitland, Dungog and Yarrowitch over the next several hours.
Approximately 12,000 homes across Greater Sydney remain without power and electricity providers advise that most homes will be reconnected today, with the last being reconnected tomorrow. There are also home without power in Tamworth (power scheduled likely to be restored this afternoon).
Mangrove Mountain pumping station is currently offline.
In the Greater Sydney area all main roads which were closed by fallen powerlines are now open.
Grays Point is now open and it is anticipated that all outstanding jobs should be completed by this evening.
In the Hills District and Hornsby jobs are being prioritised and tasked accordingly. Power is still out to approximately 3600 homes and 9000 homes respectively. The Hills Council is assisting with green waste removal. All roads are open but some traffic lights are still out. In Parramatta many homes are still without power.
Galston High School will be non-operational until the end of school term due to the impact the storms have had on the school grounds and classrooms.
For information on power outages in specific areas please see:
Weather Forecast
The peak weather system has mostly passed. Thunderstorms are expected to continue over the next 24-48 hours but not in the same intensity or over the same area as the previous impact.
Rainfall over the Bellinger River catchment has eased and the River has peaked at 6.24m with minor flooding and is currently falling. No further flooding is expected.
Heavy rainfall been recorded across the Orara River catchment during Sunday and early Monday morning. The rainfall has eased as of this morning and minor flooding is occurring at Glenreagh where the river is expected to peak early Monday afternoon. Moderate flooding is expected at Coutts Crossing and this will result in more extensive isolations (up to 150 properties) and road closures.
NSW SES continues to receive calls from the community requesting assistance, and these calls are expected to reduce over the next 24 hours.
Useful links
To view all current NSW weather warnings, visit the Bureau of Meteorology
Cherrybrook, Sydney NSW
If you require emergency flood and storm assistance call the NSW SES on 132 500 or 000 if it is a life-threatening emergency.
Learn more about When To Call NSW SES
