It has been a hot night for many in Yass and surrounding areas without air conditioning or fans after the severe storm at 11pm caused widespread power outages.
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Around 3,900 people experienced blackouts during the night and over 3,200 people remain without electricity this morning.
Essential Energy crews have worked throughout in challenging conditions to restore supply to customers, according to acting regional manager southern, Ian Armstrong.
However, repairs may take a little longer than usual today due to the Total Fire Ban in place, which requires Essential Energy to complete a full line patrol and deem it safe before manually restoring the power supply.
Essential Energy will provide its next update at 11.30am, which will be published in this story.
“Essential Energy reminds the public to stay at least eight metres away from damaged or fallen power lines,” Mr Armstrong said.
Call Essential Energy on 13 20 80 to report fallen power lines or network damage.
Lightning ignites fires
Overnight, the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) attended five fires in the area: two at Back Creek, one north of Sutton, one on Gooda Creek Road, Springfield and one at Bowning.
They were all single tree fires caused by lightning, but none caused any major damage, according to NSW RFS Superintendent Peter Alley.
Unfortunately, the rain brought by the storm wasn’t enough to help put out the fires, according to Superintendent Alley, however, crews moved quickly.
The RFS is on high alert today, with a severe weather warning and Total Fire Ban in place, plus another storm expected around 2pm this afternoon.
Report all unattended fires to Triple Zero (000).
Residents can stay informed on fires by checking:
- www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information
- Bush Fire Information Line – 1800 679 737
- ‘Fires Near Me’ app
- Local news
The State Emergency Service Yass Unit hasn’t responded to any storm incidents yet.