Unprecedented snow falls across the Northern Tablelands has brought down trees and powerlines, while events across the region were abandoned, and councils scrambled to deal with the deluge.
Dawn has revealed the white layer of snow still in place for a second day of snow man making, but warnings about trying to drive in it have been stepped up, as the hardened snow turns to ice and expected rain makes the roads even more dangerous.
Many who tried to drive yesterday got stuck and had to abandon their vehicles. The SES responded to more than 100 vehicles stuck in the snow on the New England highway and other roads in the area, and are advising those who get stuck to stay in their vehicles until help arrives. An Edwards Coach was stuck under the viaduct near Miller Street this morning, blocking the road.
More than 27,500 NSW homes and businesses experienced power disruptions overnight, Essential Energy said, including Uralla, Walcha, and most of Armidale. As at 6am this morning, there are just over 9,000 customers without power across the New England region. The worst hit areas are Armidale with just over 6,200 and Walcha with just over 2,000. Guyra has over 400 and Tamworth around 360.
People have been urged to stay at least eight metres away from fallen power lines, power poles and damaged electricity equipment. NBN and mobile services have also been affected in some areas.
Reports of tree branches and even some car ports collapsing under the weight of the snow were wide spread. NSW SES issued a ‘watch and act’ warning, pleading with people in Walcha, Uralla, Ebor, Armidale, Guyra, Glen Innes and the Moonbi Ranges to stay near shelter.
All scheduled matches in New England Rugby Union for this weekend’s round 14 have been abandoned. Due to the proximity to the finals, there is no opportunity to play make up matches. The points for this weekends matches have been split between the clubs. Most sporting fixtures have been cancelled or postpones.
Dorrigo Transit has had to terminate this morning’s DT1 (Coffs – Armidale) service at Dorrigo.
A big barbecue planned for an Armidale Regional Council consultation has also been cancelled, and Armidale Regional Airport was closed. Even some church services have been cancelled.
Meanwhile flooding is affecting lower lying parts of the region, with ‘watch and act’ warnings in place for:
- Gunnedah
- Gunnedah-Talibah flats
- Tamworth and Surrounds
- Calala
- Woolomin
And advice level warnings for other parts of the Namoi, Peel, Gwydir and Severn rivers. Further south and east, Scone is being evacuated as much of the Hunter and Mid North coast deal with more flooding.
Severe weather warnings to the east and south and sheep graziers alerts remain in place.
Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au