A bizarre’mini-cyclone’ has pummeled a seaside town in New South Wales with strong winds, pulling down powerlines and trees and ripping roofs from buildings.
Friday afternoon, the severe storm slammed the city of Port Macquarie on the mid-north coast of New South Wales.
In the 30 minutes before to 4 p.m., the NSW State of Emergency Service received 60 calls for assistance while the city was being pummeled by extreme wind, rain, and hail.
Locals reported blown-off roofs, downed trees and utility poles, and several demanded flood rescue.
Friday about 3 p.m., a powerful storm characterized as a “mini-cyclone” struck the mid-north coastal town of Port Macquarie in New South Wales.
The city was pounded by severe rain, hail, and winds of up to 120 kilometers per hour.
Michael Ward from the Port Macquarie, New South Wales SES unit stated that 150 calls were received by 5.30pm, however no injuries were reported.
Mr. Ward stated, “There are definitely missing roofs and significant damage to buildings in and around the Port Macquarie area.”
Prior to clearing access to homes and businesses, the SES stated that re-establishing safe access around the town was their first priority.
The Port Macquarie Hastings Council advised citizens to avoid the city’s town center.
“While the sights are dramatic and heartbreaking, and many wish to assist, please avoid the Port Macquarie central business district and other affected areas.
We are closing or partially closing roadways as necessary for safety and to facilitate the work of emergency services.
Massive trees in the city’s central business district were uprooted by winds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, ripping through road surfaces and tearing off rooftops.
The roof of an apartment building on Hastings River Drive was torn off, forcing inhabitants to seek shelter with their neighbors.
According to Fire and Rescue NSW, the strong winds tore the roof off an apartment building on Hastings River Drive.
Residents of three top-floor apartments fled downstairs to seek safety with neighbors, according to a statement from Fire and Rescue NSW.
The roof of a house on Hay Street was torn off by a falling tree, and firefighters went to a damaged private hospital on Lake Road.
Two enormous gum trees were also blown over in Murray Street, striking a truck and landing on a car, while a large tree felling on Hayward Street struck powerlines.
Over 11,000 homes and businesses in and around the Port Macquarie central business district lost power.
The NSW SES referred to the violent storm as a “min-cyclone” and asked homeowners to relocate their vehicles away from trees, avoid downed powerlines, and remain at home unless travel is essential.
(Pictured: rubble strewn around the city’s core) Neighboring fire departments have been requested to assist with the cleanup.
The city’s central streets are littered with debris, and fire crews from neighboring Kempsey and Laurieton have been called in to help clear up.
Friday afternoon, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for the Mid North Coast, the Northern Rivers, and the Northern Tablelands, predicting “damaging winds and large hailstones.”
Port Macquarie, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, and Dorrigo were under risk.
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