A powerful storm system has wreaked havoc across north-east New South Wales, causing significant damage to homes, isolating residents, and resulting in widespread power outages. This extreme weather event, which included heavy snow, strong winds, and torrential rain, has particularly affected areas such as Port Macquarie and Armidale.
In a heartbreaking incident, a home north of Port Macquarie was destroyed, leaving tenant Suzanne Siossian, 81, grappling with the aftermath. Ms. Siossian, who had only moved into the rental property a week prior, described the terrifying moment when the storm caused the roof to lift and the walls to collapse. She managed to escape just in time, as her neighbour, Amelia Coy, witnessed the destruction. “The house is completely ruined,” Ms. Coy stated, reflecting on her lifelong experience with extreme weather in the region.
The storm’s impact was felt across multiple locations. On Saturday, winds tore the roof off Kempsey High School, leaving the school unable to accommodate students scheduled to sit their Higher School Certificate (HSC) trials. Kempsey Shire Mayor Kinnie Ring remarked, “All across the shire it’s been a really devastating event, and right in the middle of recovery from the May floods.”
The chaos extended to everyday life in the region, particularly in Armidale. Trent Rush, owner of Goldfish Bakery, faced challenges as staff were unable to reach work due to heavy snowfall. Many businesses in Armidale remained closed because of power outages and staffing shortages. Resident Tess Dasey, 68, noted that the snowfall was unprecedented in her experience, surpassing a notable blizzard in 1984.
Despite initially seeing beauty in the snow, Ms. Dasey expressed frustration over the disruption it caused. “Our solar panels are covered by 10 centimetres of snow and our battery is dead,” she explained, indicating the challenges faced by those unable to leave their homes due to fallen trees and snow.
Farmers in the region are also bracing for potential flooding. Jamie Chaffey, Member for Parkes, reported preparing his farm for rising waters. He is particularly concerned about crops, stating, “The potential is for significant loss here if it turns into a major flood.” The Peel River at Tamworth is among the waterways experiencing elevated levels, further complicating the situation for local agriculture.
Regarding assistance, Barnaby Joyce, Member for New England, shared his concerns about the impact on livestock and infrastructure. He noted that the full extent of agricultural damage would not be clear until conditions improve: “If there’s a complete wipe-out of pastures, then people will need help.”
As recovery efforts begin, local authorities are assessing the damage and planning for the days ahead. The situation remains dynamic, with many residents still facing disruptions in their daily lives. As the storm’s remnants linger, communities are coming together to support one another in the wake of this severe weather event.
