Severe Storm Batters Hunter Region, Leaving Thousands Without Power

8 November 2024

A powerful storm swept through the Hunter region yesterday afternoon, causing widespread damage, power outages, and prompting an extensive response from emergency services.

The severe weather hit around 3 pm, bringing damaging winds of up to 70km/h, lightning, heavy rain, and hail to areas including Cessnock, Maitland, and Newcastle. The storm’s intensity led to fallen trees, damaged properties, and hazardous conditions on roads.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) attended over 80 incidents, with approximately half originating from the Cessnock area. Crews from Maitland, Newcastle, Gosford, and Singleton were dispatched to assist with the high volume of calls.

“We have teams working through the list as quickly as we can but we do ask for your patience,” a spokesperson for the SES said yesterday. Community members thanked the SES for their quick response.

Mount View High School in Cessnock sustained considerable damage during the storm. Numerous large trees were uprooted, and the campus faced significant disruptions. Despite the chaos, all students and staff, including visiting Year 6 students, were safely evacuated.

Principal of Mount View High School praised the coordinated efforts of staff and students: “I am extremely grateful that everyone was able to exit safely under a coordinated and considered response.” Staff members assisted in managing traffic flow along Mount View Road due to fallen power lines and trees.

Local MP Clayton Barr commended the school’s handling of the situation. “Well done to the staff and students who worked together to make sure everyone was safe,” he said.

Ausgrid crews worked through the night to restore electricity to affected areas. Initially, over 2,000 properties were without power, with significant outages reported in Merewether, Newcastle, Cooks Hill, The Junction, Bar Beach, Metford, Ashtonfield, Cessnock, Pokolbin, Mount View, and Bellbird.

By this morning, Ausgrid confirmed that power had been restored to approximately 2,000 properties. However, some areas like Tarro remained without electricity, with restoration expected by 11 am. An Ausgrid spokesperson advised residents to stay clear of any downed power lines and to report electrical emergencies. “Our crews are working tirelessly to restore power as safely and quickly as possible,” they said.

Residents took to social media to express their appreciation for the efforts of emergency services and utility workers. Comments poured in thanking the SES volunteers, school staff, and Ausgrid crews for their hard work during and after the storm.

One local parent wrote, “School staff were awesome directing traffic in the pouring rain amid the chaos of fallen trees and emergency services arriving. Thank goodness there were no injuries.”

Contractor teams have been working to clear debris and ensure that public areas are safe. Authorities urge residents to remain cautious, as there may still be hidden hazards such as fallen trees and downed power lines.

Motorists are advised to drive carefully and be alert for road closures or detours. For the latest updates on power outages, residents can visit Ausgrid’s website or follow their social media channels.

For emergency assistance in floods and storms, contact the NSW SES on 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000).