Much of the Far South Coast has been plunged into darkness this morning, with power outages stretching from Bombala to Batemans Bay.
More than 6,500 customers across the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shires lost power at various times between 1:30am-5:05am this morning (Wednesday August 28).
Safety equipment was operated, isolating power supply to keep the community safe until crews could investigate. Essential Energy crews have been dispatched and are currently investigating.
An estimated time of restoration will be posted on Essential Energy’s website once known.
Traffic lights were reportedly out at Beach Road in Batemans Bay this morning with the lights at North Street also having issues.
Motorists are being urged to drive with care and to stay at least eight metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
To report a tree down or if you need help, call the SES on 132 500. Fallen powerlines can be reported to Essential Energy on 132 080.
A number of Trees have come during in the strong and damaging winds we’re experiencing along the coast.
A Severe weather warning for damaging winds is in place along parts of the Far South Coast today (August 28).
Residents have awoken to warm conditions this morning, but an approaching cold front is producing a strong north-westerly pressure gradient across the south east.
Damaging winds averaging 50 to 70 kilometres an hour with peak gusts around 100 km/h are likely to continue until this afternoon.
There have been multiple reports of trees including on Sapphire Coast Drive at Bournda, on Brown Mountain, on Mogilla Road at Bemboka, and Candelo-Bega Road at Kanoona.
Customers affected as at 7am:
Bombala/Cathcart- 142
Tantawangalo- 179
Bemboka -106
Bega/Candelo/Bermagui/Cobargo/Brogo/Wallaga Lake-3,417
Yowrie – 99
Mogendoura – 87
Jinden – 34
Batemans Bay/Long Beach – 2,454
TOTAL – 6,518
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
Images: Essential Energy, BOM, Bemboka RFS
