Wild weather causes damage

A fierce storm ripped through the Narrabri district on Tuesday afternoon causing damage, and power outages in Narrabri, Yarrie Lake, Wee Waa, Merah North, Boggabri, Bellata, Ban Baa and Edgeroi.

The Narrabri Shire Weather Station Network reported wind gusts of more then 120 kilometres per hour in the local area.

Essential Energy said crews worked late into Tuesday evening and Wednesday to restore power for customers.

About 15 millimetres of welcome rainfall was recorded in Wee Waa and about 20 mm in Narrabri but the sound and force of the wind, and even hail in some parts, far outweighed the rain.

“We got a storm, out of the blue and it nearly blew my house away,” said Yvonne Llyod (pictured right) who lost half the roof on her Wee Waa home during the wild weather event.

“It was a bit scary but I think I got more of a fright afterwards than when it was actually happening.

“I was more worried about my car out the back because the hail was coming in on it and then when it sort of stopped – I walked out the front and it looked like a tornado had hit the front yard.

“That’s what it looked like – tin everywhere. “

Part of Mrs Llyod’s roof landed in a paddock about 400 metres from her home, that’s just over the Lagoon Bridge.

On Tuesday night, Mrs Llyod seemed to be in high spirits despite the extensive damage to her lovely home.

“Smiling is better than crying isn’t it? And it really is because nobody got hurt,” she said.

“The most disappointing part is that we didn’t get enough rain out of the storm to do all the farmers any good.

“There’s plenty of dust.”

State Emergency Service crews were on the scene promptly to help patch up Mrs Lloyd’s roof and clear the damage.

“When we arrived here – there was debris everywhere and Mrs Lloyd was sitting on her verandah with her grandchildren,” said SES commander Jenny Fox.

“It’s taken probably half her roof off.”

Commander Fox said there were reports of trees down in the district as well as damage to other homes and power outages.

Mrs Llyod is going to stay with her daughter while her home is repaired.

She praised the SES for doing an outstanding job.

“Brilliant, they’ve just been terrific.”

Mrs Lloyd is well-known to the SES team from the time of the 2012 floods.

“Mrs Llyod spoilt us, she made us all scones and fresh cakes and sent them over in the flood boats for us in 2012,” said SES commander Jenny Fox .

And Mrs Lloyd said she will be baking the SES crew another batch of scones for all their efforts.

Essential Energy reminded the public to report fallen or damaged power lines immediately by calling 13 20 80 and to stay at least eight metres away from the line and anything in contact with it.