NSW SES Deputy State Duty Commander, Chief Superintendent Dallas Burnes surged Illawarra resients to avoid non-essential travel until winds ease. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
Wild winds have stretched emergency services across the Illawarra today.
As NSW SES volunteers responded to more than 200 calls for help across the region, Fire and Rescue and RFS personnel worked to contain fires that broke out at Maddens Plains and Springhill.
Both blazes are under control, and the M1 reopened after hours of work from more than a dozen crews.
In Wollongong, SES volunteers continue their work to make homes, power lines and businesses safe.
In Mangerton, a large tree is down over several properties and has completely blocked a residential road.
In Helensburgh, two people were trapped in a car with powerlines and a tree down on the road in front of them and behind them.
They were rescued uninjured.
A severe weather warning remains current with wind gusts in excess of 110km/h to continue in the Illawarra and South Coast.
NSW SES Deputy State Duty Commander, Chief Superintendent Dallas Burnes said he expected hundreds more jobs for Illawarra volunteers this afternoon and into the evening as people return home from work to discover damage.
“We’ve seen roadways blocked, power lines disrupted and a lot of incidents where branches have fallen through rooves or windows or damaged cars,” he said.
“If you see a tree down and need assistance call us. If there’s any threat to life call 000.”
Chief Superintendent Burnes urged residents to take care of any loose items around their property, and avoid unnecessary travel.
“We don’t want people on their rooves in these strong winds, it’s too late for that, but clean up or tie down any loose items,” he said.
“Don’t go for a walk in the woods today, be really careful when you are outside, it might be a day to pick the kids up in the car if you usually walk or bike.
“Download the Hazards Near Me app to stay across the latest warnings and be prepared.”
The wind is forecast to ease overnight, but another front will be back on Friday.
Chief Superintendent Burnes said the SES was concerned repeated high-wind conditions over the past week could leave trees and branches vulnerable to falling late in the week.
The NSW SES advises that people should:
- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony
- Keep at least eight metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences
- Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall
- Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
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