TREES came crashing down, roads were blocked, thousands lost power, roofs were ripped off and places were flooded when a storm slammed into Tumut on Friday.
“Essential Energy crews restored power to more than 4000 customers in Tumut and surrounding areas as a storm moved across the area bringing down trees and blowing debris into powerlines,” an Essential Energy spokesperson said.
“Power went off at 3.47pm with crews able to make repairs and restore power to customers just after 5pm.
“Some parts of the electricity network were also turned off to ensure the safety of the community after reports of roofs and trees in powerlines were received.
“Essential Energy reminds everyone to stay at least eight metres away from fallen powerlines and to call Essential Energy on 13 20 80 to report lines down.”
SES, RFS and Council crews were very busy. Coles Tumut supermarket was largely blacked out but continued to trade.
Tumut SES spokesman Wayne Ward said many roofs, including his own, were ripped off or damaged, at Quinn Street, Clarence Street and trees went down in many places including Fitzroy Street, Beale Street and Russell Street.
Due to the size of the event, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was opened to support all major services including police and SES. Tumbarumba SES Deputy Commander Tim Kennewell and Leading Senior Operator Peter Munro were deployed to assist their neighbouring unit in Tumut. Commander Craig Middleton was deployed to the EOC and said he was, “immensely proud of both Tim and Peter for their exceptional service during Fridays Storm in testing conditions”.
“Tim and Peter’s advanced qualification enabled them to safety tarp three damaged roofs in hazardous conditions. Their actions not only protected vulnerable properties, but also illustrates the SES’s commitment to community safety,” he said.
