A violent and fast-moving storm system has torn through New South Wales, resulting in a tragic fatality, widespread property damage, and massive power outages affecting tens of thousands of residents.
Tragic Loss of Life on Central Coast
Emergency services were called to a property on Glenworth Valley Road on the Central Coast at 1.20pm on Wednesday following reports of a serious incident. Upon arrival, police discovered that a 76-year-old man had been struck by a tree toppled by the storm's ferocious winds, which were recorded at speeds of up to 100 kilometres an hour.
Despite the efforts of NSW Ambulance paramedics who rendered immediate assistance, the man could not be revived and died at the scene. Officers from the Brisbane Water Police District are now preparing a report for the Coroner as investigations into the precise circumstances continue.
Close Calls and Widespread Damage
In a separate incident that underscored the storm's danger, a Newcastle nurse had a lucky escape in Kurri Kurri. The storm tore the roof off a building and sent it crashing onto her vehicle as she was driving down the town's main street. Miraculously, she avoided serious injury.
The storm's impact on infrastructure was severe. Ausgrid's network was smashed by nearly 20,000 lightning strikes and damaging winds, leading to power cuts for approximately 35,000 households across the region. The short but intense nature of the weather event left a trail of destruction in its wake.
State Emergency Services Stretched Thin
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has been inundated with calls for help. By Wednesday afternoon, crews had already responded to more than 1000 incidents, and that number was expected to climb as the storm cell tracked north-east.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns issued a stark warning for residents, particularly those commuting home in the afternoon. "This powerful storm system is tracking across Sydney and is then expected to head north up the coast. It's going to be significant, but short-lived," Assistant Commissioner Kearns said.
He urged the public to remain vigilant for heavy rains and strong winds, highlighting the dangers posed by loose items becoming projectiles, fallen trees, and damaged power lines. The SES advised people to contact them directly for assistance with storm-related damage to their properties.
