News

Editor’s Note: Vision available here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/vgvDsC3Uhm

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has responded to more than 750 incidents since midnight, as damaging winds sweep across the state on Monday, 2 September.

More than 300 of those incidents were recorded in a two-hour period on Monday morning, with the southeast and metropolitan Sydney regions hardest hit by strong winds.

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.

A severe weather warning remains current with wind gusts in excess of 110km/h continuing in the Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, Mid North Coast, Central Tablelands, Metropolitan Sydney and Hunter.

While the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast the winds to ease this evening, the NSW SES is encouraging people to avoid unnecessary travel while warnings are current, tie down any loose items outside their homes, and move cars from underneath trees.

NSW SES Deputy State Duty Commander, Chief Superintendent Dallas Burnes said people should continue to monitor conditions.

“During strong winds, we strongly advise people to remain indoors and away from trees and powerlines,” Chief Superintendent Burnes said.

“People can download the Hazards Near Me app to stay across the latest warnings and information in their areas to ensure they know their risk and can stay prepared.”

Chief Superintendent Burnes said additional staff had been rostered in the State Operations Centre, and volunteers would continue to respond to calls for assistance this evening and into tomorrow.

“Our volunteers have been working around the clock today and over the weekend, responding to trees down, homes damaged by the wind and infrastructure damage,” he said.

“Fortunately our crews have been quick to respond along with our emergency service partners and clean-up is either underway or already complete in many incidents.”

If you need assistance from the NSW SES call 132 500, or in life threatening situations call Triple Zero (000).

OPERATIONAL STATISTICS:

Number of jobs statewide since midnight: 750
Metro Zone: 448
South Eastern Zone: 221

The NSW SES advises that people should:

• Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
• Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
• Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
• Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
• Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.