News
Power restored to Sydney’s north after cyclone-like storm
3 December 2019
Ausgrid has safely restored power to the final customers impacted by the cyclone-like storm which hit Sydney’s north and destroyed large parts of the electricity network.At the height of the storms 52,000 homes and businesses lost power. Power was progressively restored as crews rebuilt the network, with 45,000 customers restored by Friday.
Strong winds on Monday hampered restoration efforts as storm-damaged trees fell and brought down more powerlines.
Tonight power has been restored to the final 100 customers in the hardest hit areas in pockets of Pymble and Killara.
Chief Operating Officer Trevor Armstrong has thanked customers for their patience.
We know just how frustrating this has been for customers and we appreciate their understanding as we worked to rebuild the network from the ground up in some areas.
Trevor Armstrong, Chief Operating Officer
“This has been a massive task and we have had a team of more than 700 people which included reinforcements from our depots in the Hunter and Central Coast and teams from Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy and contractors.
“I’d like to recognise everyone who worked on the storm response to make safe more than 1,900 hazards and ensure the safety of the public”, Trevor said.
The storm left a trail of devastation with the worst damage concentrated across Sydney’s northern suburbs.
Weatherzone reported there were 13,000 lightning strikes recorded during the storm and wind gusts of up to 103 km/h.
“The storm was brief but severe and the damage it created was on par with what we would expect to see after a cyclone.
“This damage was not a simple repair job as we high and low voltage powerlines down and more than 1,000 individual service wires severed after massive trees came down across the network”, he said.
If you need to contact Ausgrid you can reach our emergency line on 13 13 88.
“I’d like to recognise everyone who worked on the storm response to make safe more than 1,900 hazards and ensure the safety of the public”, Trevor said.
The storm left a trail of devastation with the worst damage concentrated across Sydney’s northern suburbs.
Weatherzone reported there were 13,000 lightning strikes recorded during the storm and wind gusts of up to 103 km/h.
“The storm was brief but severe and the damage it created was on par with what we would expect to see after a cyclone.
“This damage was not a simple repair job as we high and low voltage powerlines down and more than 1,000 individual service wires severed after massive trees came down across the network”, he said.
Snapshot of the storm and response:
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Lightning Strikes: 13,000 |
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Wind gusts: 103 km/h |
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Hazards reported: 1,900 |
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Workers assisting response: 700 |
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Poles destroyed: 110 |
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Service wires repaired: 1,100 |
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Powerlines restrung: 240 km |
If you need to contact Ausgrid you can reach our emergency line on 13 13 88.