EMERGENCY service crews including the State Emergency Service, fire rescue and police worked into the night to help Hastings residents affected by a flash storm.
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Wild weather lashed Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast from 5pm to 7pm on November 6 and brought with it 10.5mm of rain and hail.
More than 34,000 lightning strikes hit within a 100 kilometre radius of the town, according to Weatherzone meteorologist Craig McIntosh.
“A deep low pressure trough caused the storm activity with showers stopping at around 7pm. It was a quick storm,” he said.
Video: Eva Spannari, Port Macquarie lightning strike
Homes at Redbank and Long Flat were battered by the wild weather with strong winds ripping the roofs off several properties.
The outstanding work by emergency crews and volunteers has been applauded Port Macquarie-Hastings SES Deputy controller Michael Ward.
“I am extremely proud of our members. It’s true that the worst in nature brings out the best in us,” he said.
“We had four field teams and an operations team working in Port Macquarie until after 1am which was very rewarding and shows the level of dedication of our members.”
He said they attended more than 50 jobs in Port Macquarie between the time of the storm and Tuesday morning, receiving further calls for assistance when people awoke.
“There were lots of trees down on roads and driveways. There was even a veranda roof blown off on Granite Street, which impacted at least four properties and traffic,” he said.
“The majority of our focus was on roofs and blocking access to people’s properties.
“Thanks must also go to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Fire Rescue and Police for their work.”
It has sparked a warning from the SES to ensure people take the appropriate measures to secure items and ensure their property is protected from damaging weather:
- Maintain your yard and balcony. Secure or store items that could blow around in strong winds
- Clean your gutters, downpipes and drains regularly to prevent blockages and trim trees and branches that could potentially fall on your home or property
- Prepare an emergency kit with essential items in case you lose power or need to leave home in an emergency
- When flash flooding is likely, leaving low lying homes and businesses well before flash flooding begins is the best action to take, but only if it is safe to do so.
- Listen to your local radio station and other media for information, updates and advice
- Unplug and avoid using electrical equipment connected to mains power, landline phones and modems
- During a storm, stay indoors away from windows.
- Never enter or travel in harsh conditions or in floodwater
For emergency help in floods or storms ring the SES on 132 500.