The clean-up continues after a freak storm over Port Macquarie that’s been described as a “microburst”.
Key points:
- Fire and rescue crews come from as far as Port Stephens and Coffs Harbour to help
- Power has been restored to about 14,000 homes
- The “microburst” hit three years to the day since a similar storm lashed Port Macquarie
Nineteen Fire and Rescue crews from Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour worked in humid heat today to patch roofs and remove debris from properties, roads and powerlines.
Essential Energy crews worked to restore power to about 14,000 homes.
The intense storm hit about 3pm yesterday with severe wind, rain and hail.
The SES received 190 calls for assistance.
SES Port Macquarie unit commander Michael Ward said 70 of those jobs were for damage to homes and commercial buildings.
He said a focus yesterday and this morning on clearing roads had shifted to “the roof jobs, both with residents and the commercial area”.
Several crews were at a major tourist resort on Park Street, which lost a significant amount of roofing to the strong gusts.
Fire Rescue NSW conducted damage assessments and placed tarpaulins on gaping roofs.
One of the badly damaged rooftops was over Bodyline yoga and pilates…
