Up to 150,000 without power after wild storm lashes NSW

Lightning streaks through stormy night skies (ausnet data)
Image: Shutterstock

A massive storm has left up to 150,000 homes and businesses without power in New South Wales, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting more rain is on the way.

Related article: Can burying powerlines protect storm-wracked electric grids? Not always…

The wild storm spanned 1,000km from Glen Innes in New South Wales’ north to Eden, which borders Victoria.

Extra Ausgrid and Essential Energy crews worked throughout the night to remove electrical hazards caused by the storm damage, with 560 calls from customers about fallen wires, trees and branches on powerlines.

Ausgrid says power has been restored power to 50,000 homes and businesses so far.

“Crews will continue to work today to restore power to customers as quickly as possible, however, due to the scale of this event, it will take some time. As we continue to assess the damage we will be able to provide more accurate restore times on our website’s power outage map,” Ausgrid said in an update.

The Bureau of Meteorology says storms are still occurring and more heavy rain and strong winds are expected to impact the state today.

Related article: Geomagnetic storm could knock out electricity grids

The State Emergency Service (SES) has advised people to stay indoors, while Ausgrid is reminding people to be on the alert for fallen powerlines that may be hidden by debris.

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