This deadly storm just left thousands powerless—is your home at risk?

The tranquillity was violently disrupted as a deadly storm tore through a state, leaving a trail of destruction, one fatality, and over 100,000 residents grappling with the aftermath of power outages.

The tempest, which unleashed a barrage of thunderstorms, torrential rainfall, and fierce winds, has raised questions about our preparedness for such natural calamities.

The storm's ferocity was evident in the continuous lightning that illuminated the skies for hours and the tropical rain that inundated train stations, transforming them into impromptu waterfalls.


The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has not offered much solace, forecasting more heavy rain and strong winds expected to batter the state throughout the day.

Radar footage captured the monstrous storm stretching an astonishing 1000km from Glen Innes in the north to Eden on the Victorian border.


1736994517660.png
A severe storm caused one death; over 100,000 people have been left without power across New South Wales. Credit: Viktor Ketal / iStock


In a tragic turn of events, a man in his 80s succumbed to the storm's wrath in Cowra, Central West NSW, when a tree, uprooted by the relentless winds, crashed into his vehicle.

The State Emergency Service (SES) has issued a stern warning, advising residents on the state's far south coast to remain indoors after a staggering 63mm of rain was recorded in just one hour at Eurobodalla.

‘We are expecting further thunderstorms today, and we’ve also got concerns about our weather front that’s going to impact the northern part of the Mid North Coast and the north-east of the state over the next couple of days, a lot of rain coming there,’ NSW SES chief superintendent Dallas Burnes said.


The BOM has also warned of 'large and powerful' surf conditions, adding to the litany of challenges faced by NSW residents.

While the severe thunderstorm warning has been lifted, the worst of the storm may have passed, but the BOM predicts a washout weekend ahead, with relentless rain expected in Sydney until at least Monday night.

Burnes expressed concerns for holidaymakers in the state's north, where an additional 30-80 millimetres of rain is predicted to fall.

Campers near bodies of water on the North Coast, Mid-North Coast, and Central Coast have been urged to brace for severe weather.

The power outage situation remains dire, with Ausgrid reporting 120,000 customers without power and 300 'electrical hazards' identified, primarily north of Sydney.

‘Extra emergency crews will continue working throughout the night to remove a significant amount of debris, attend to hazards to make areas safe and work to restore power as soon as possible,’ Ausgrid announced.

‘Due to the extent of the damage and the widespread nature of this event, the majority of customers impacted are likely to be out until tomorrow at the earliest.’


Essential Energy has reported 30,000 customers without power in various regional locations, including Bathurst, Coonabarabran, and Wagga Wagga.

Endeavour Energy has also reported significant customer impact.

Property damage has been widespread, with reports of destroyed homes, flights delayed, and nearly a thousand calls for help to the SES.

The storm has wreaked havoc on infrastructure and compounded the misery for Sydney commuters, who are already facing a challenging week due to train strikes.

Members, we urge you to take all necessary precautions during such events.

Check in with neighbours, particularly those who may need extra assistance, and remember to report any power outages or emergencies to the appropriate services.
Key Takeaways

  • A severe storm has caused one death and left over 100,000 people without power across New South Wales.
  • Continuous lightning, heavy rain, strong winds, and extensive surf conditions have been reported, with the worst storm passing overnight.
  • The State Emergency Service and the Bureau of Meteorology have issued warnings and advise caution, especially for travellers and those camping near bodies of water.
  • Damage has been widespread, with reports of property destruction, delayed flights, and emergency services responding to thousands of calls for help.
We'd love to hear from you about your experiences and any tips you might have for staying safe during severe weather. Please share your stories in the comments below, and let's support each other through these challenging times.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
This storm was one if the worst I've seen.
The thunder was so loud it sounded like it was hitting our roof where it felt like our house shook. The lightening was so strong even with blinds down the rooms were lit up.
The crackling of the lightening felt very close.
Then there was the heavy rain and strong wind. I thought for sure a tree would come down . When we went outside yesterday morning there were branches down and lots of plants destroyed.

My son and his girlfriend was driving home and only a few minutes away when they noticed the sky from the south was very black and spreading quickly above them. Then these dark skies let out its fury.
 
I live in Raymond Terrace n.s.w. we are currently going into our third day of no power, it is horrible. We have a generator borrowed from a friend to try and save fridge and freezer food, in bed by 7.30 no lights but it could be worse we have no house damage many others do. So know what your talking about first hand.
 
This storm was one if the worst I've seen.
The thunder was so loud it sounded like it was hitting our roof where it felt like our house shook. The lightening was so strong even with blinds down the rooms were lit up.
The crackling of the lightening felt very close.
Then there was the heavy rain and strong wind. I thought for sure a tree would come down . When we went outside yesterday morning there were branches down and lots of plants destroyed.

My son and his girlfriend was driving home and only a few minutes away when they noticed the sky from the south was very black and spreading quickly above them. Then these dark skies let out its fury.
We had one here in Hobart but although it was scary it didn't last long .My grand-daughter had a driving lesson at exactly the same time it started.The rain at least helped to fill up the water tanks more after l had just paid $150 to our waterman for some.
 
In aberdeen nsw we were 22 hours without power. This outage applied to much of the upper hunter.
ls this place in Aberdeen in NSW a new? Just love Aberdeen in Scotland also Dundee and the beautiful capital Edinborough .A Scottish friend lived in Drowndubbs in Angus. Sorry for rambling on but it just reminded me
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy and Nantes
ls this place in Aberdeen in NSW a new? Just love Aberdeen in Scotland also Dundee and the beautiful capital Edinborough .A Scottish friend lived in Drowndubbs in Angus. Sorry for rambling on but it just reminded me
Aberdeen nsw is about 3 hours north west of Sydney, just north of the productive wine areas of Cessnock, Denman, also coal mining, horse studs and cattle area. The mining industry contributes largely to health, schooling and largely to the economic wealth of the area.
 
Aberdeen nsw is about 3 hours north west of Sydney, just none areas of Cessnock, Denman, also coal mining, horse studs and cattle area. The mining industry contributes largely to health, schooling and largely to the economic wealth of the area.

Aberdeen nsw is about 3 hours north west of Sydney, just north of the productive wine areas of Cessnock, Denman, also coal mining, horse studs and cattle area. The mining industry contributes largely to health, schooling and largely to the economic wealth of the area.
Thankyou for your reply .l have lived in several places in NSW but that was 20 plus years ago and l just thought it might have been a new area
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy
The winds are so strong in Sydney , trees are coming down and roofs are coming off.

This was around the corner from me two hours ago. Homer St Kingsgrove

Screenshot_20250117_180616_Gallery.jpg
Look at the size of the roots and how the footpath had lifted
Screenshot_20250117_181352_Gallery.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy and Macarj

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×