NSW South Coast Hit by Severe Weather, Causing Flooding and Power Outages

The NSW South Coast is reeling from a powerful weather system that brought record rainfall, strong winds, and widespread flooding on Wednesday. Emergency flood warnings were issued for several areas,including Burrill Lake,Sanctuary Point,lake Conjola,and tabourie,as the east coast low unleashed its fury,downing trees and powerlines,and causing meaningful damage to homes and businesses. The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has responded to over 2,000 incidents in the past 24 hours, primarily in the flooded regions along the south coast.

Record Rainfall and Damaging Winds

Ulladulla experienced its wettest July night on record, with a staggering 223 millimeters of rain falling on Tuesday night. Compounding the issue, winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour battered the coast, uprooting trees and severing powerlines. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the average rainfall for Ulladulla in July is around 75mm, making this event truly exceptional ^[1].

Did You Know? The east coast of Australia is prone to these intense weather systems,known as East coast Lows,which can develop rapidly and bring destructive conditions.

Homes and Businesses Impacted

The severe weather has had a devastating impact on residents and business owners alike. John Godley, a Sussex Inlet resident, received news while on holiday in Bali that a large tree had fallen on his home, crushing the roof and verandah. He is now considering returning home to assess the damage.

Businesses are also suffering. Rian Gough, a local business owner, is facing significant losses due to spoiled fresh produce and bread orders resulting from power outages. Brinley Kettle, co-owner of Lagom Bakery at Burrill Lake, had to close his business for the day after a 16-hour power outage, potentially losing $1,000 worth of perishable items.

Emergency Services Respond

The NSW SES is working tirelessly to assist those affected by the storm, responding to reports of fallen trees damaging homes and property. One notable incident involved a large gum tree that was uprooted and fell onto a two-story brick home in Malua bay, causing substantial damage.

Pro Tip: If you experience property damage due to severe weather, contact your insurance company quickly and document the damage with photos and videos.

Power Outages Disrupting Operations

Power outages have been a major issue, disrupting both residential and commercial activities.Essential Energy reports that crews are working to restore power to affected areas, but the process is slow due to the extent of the damage and ongoing hazardous conditions ^[2].

How are local communities coping with the aftermath of the storm? What long-term solutions can be implemented to mitigate the impact of future severe weather events?

Impact on Local Businesses

The power outages have led to significant challenges for local businesses, particularly those dealing with perishable goods. Rian Gough, a local business owner, expressed her frustration, stating she would have to discard a large quantity of fresh produce, including meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and bread orders.”It’s tough, it’s really tough, especially being a small business owner and just seeing it all go to waste,” she lamented.

brinley Kettle, co-owner of Lagom Bakery at Burrill Lake, echoed these sentiments, noting that he had to close his bakery for the day due to the prolonged power outage. He estimated potential losses of around $1,000 from perishable items such as cheese, meats, juices, and cakes.

What measures can small businesses take to prepare for future power outages and minimize potential losses?

Disclaimer: This article provides general data and should not be considered as professional advice. Consult with relevant experts for specific guidance related to your situation.

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