More than 26,000 homes and businesses in the Hunter are still without power as Ausgrid works feverishly to restore it.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 205,000 residents across the state have no power because of the severe weather.
According to Ausgrid it could be several days before power is restored to everyone from Sydney, to the Central Coast and throughout the Hunter.
Before work can start, Ausgrid emergency crews have to respond to more than 4000 reports of hazards, including fallen poles and power lines, and trees on wires.
“As the bad weather conditions continue, Ausgrid is warning that it could take several days before all repairs are made and power returned,” Ausgrid said in a statement.
“We are bringing in additional crews from other networks to assist but it’s expected to take until later this week to restore power to all locations, particularly remote areas which have suffered significant storm damage.”
Ausgrid received almost 60,000 calls between midnight and noon on Tuesday as the storm hit the region.
Crews have restored power to more than 20,000 homes, but as the storm continues, more properties have been blacked out.
The most up-to-date information showed Metford, East Maitland, Thornton, Beresfield, Bolwarra and Bolwarra Heights as some of the hardest hit areas. Cessnock was the single worst-hit area in the Hunter – more than 4800 residents were without power last night.
Ausgrid has urged people to stay clear of fallen power lines as well as storm debris that could hide fallen, live power lines.
There are long waits on the Ausgrid phone line to report emergencies.
People seeking information about power restoration can visit the Ausgrid Twitter or Facebook pages.
People who do not have access to social media can call 131 388.
USEFUL CONTACTS:
NSW State Emergency Service – 132 500
For help in storms and floods, or visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au for information.
Ausgrid – 131 388
This line is for electricity emergencies such as power lines down. For information about power restoration visit www.ausgrid.com.au
Hunter Water – www.hunterwater.com.au
For information on water supply and fresh water drops.
Transport NSW – www.transportnsw.info
A number of transport services may be disrupted due to the severe weather, visit Transport NSW online for updates and information on trains and buses.
LiveTraffic NSW – www.livetraffic.com
This has live updates, traveller information and personalised alerts for NSW roads.
Public school closures – www.dec.nsw.gov.au
The list on this website updates during the morning. You can also ring your child’s school for information.
Disaster Welfare Assistance Line – 1800 018 444
For information about disaster relief grants for contents and structural repairs.
