'Mini-cyclone' smashes buildings in NSW regional city
Written by on July 29, 2023
A “mini-cyclone” has left significant damage across the coastal NSW city of Port Macquarie, with trees and powerlines downed and roofs ripped from buildings.
Multiple emergency crews are responding after the sudden sudden storm hit the coastal city just after 3pm.
Some 60 calls for help were made to the NSW State Emergency Service in the 30 minutes to 4pm, with reports of roofs blown from buildings, fallen trees and requests for flood rescues.
The number of calls had grown to 150 by 5.30pm on Friday, said Michael Ward from the Port Macquarie unit of the NSW SES.
“There are definitely roofs off buildings, there’s definitely significant damage to buildings in and around the Port Macquarie area,” Mr Ward said.
The SES are prioritising re-establishing safe access around the town, before focusing on clearing access to homes and businesses, he said.
There have been no reports of significant injuries.
People are being urged to stay well away from downed power lines and to stay at home unless travel is necessary.
People with storm-related damage are urged to contact the NSW SES, and to contact triple-zero in the case of life threatening emergencies.
Winds ripped the roof from an apartment block at Hastings River Drive in the city, leaving frightened residents fleeing downstairs for cover, Fire and Rescue NSW said.
A fallen tree also hit a house causing a roof to tear off a home in Hay St.
Firefighters are working to assist at one of the town’s private hospitals, after it was damaged in the storm.
Vehicles were also hit by falling trees, including a truck and car which were both struck by downed gum trees on Murray St, in separate incidents.
Powerlines have also been downed in Hayward St, where firefighters are assisting.
Fire crews have been called in from neighbouring Kempsey and Laurieton to assist with the clean up.
Local residents described the event as a “mini-tornado” and mini-cyclone, sharing images showing intense gusts and heavy rainfall.
A severe weather warning for “damaging winds and large hailstones” is in place for the Mid North Coast, the Northern Rivers and the Northern Tablelands on Friday afternoon.
“A trough is combining with a warm, unstable air mass to produce thunderstorms on and east of the ranges in northeast NSW this afternoon,” the Bureau of Meteorology said Friday.
Areas at risk include Port Macquarie, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Sawtell and Dorrigo.
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