Ausgrid is working to restore power to thousands of properties across Port Stephens, as wild weather continues to sweep through the region.
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As of 8.30am on Tuesday, Ausgrid had restored power to Eagleton, East Seaham, Raymond Terrace and Twelve Mile Creek.
Approximately 1584 premises in Raymond Terrace, Twelve Mile Creek, Eagleton, Ferodale, Medowie, Kings Hill, East Seaham, Balickera were without electricity overnight following strong winds that damaged powerlines, power poles and felled trees across the Hunter and Sydney.
A further 1334 properties in the Medowie and Ferodale area, 155 in Tomago and Williamtown, and 59 in Swan Bay and Karuah were also impacted by power problems overnight.
State Emergency Service crews from across the region responded to dozens of callouts overnight on Monday after strong winds, in excess of 120 kilometres per hour in some areas of the Hunter Valley, brought down trees and wrought havoc in storm damage.
Forecasters for the Bureau of Meteorology said gusts of up to 52 knots, or around 100 kilometres per hour, were recorded at Nobbys in Newcastle, with similar recordings made at Williamtown RAAF Base, Tocal and Scone.
Gusts of up to 69 knots were recorded at the Murrurundi Gap observation station in the Hunter Valley.
A severe weather warning remained in place for the Hunter on Tuesday.
The BOM warns that the Hunter, including Port Stephens, will experience damaging winds with peak gusts reaching up to 90 to 100km/h.
"Strong winds averaging 60 to 70km/h are possible about higher ground and through the Hunter region," the BOM stated.
"Saturated soils bring an increased risk of gusty winds toppling trees and powerlines, particularly along elevated terrain."
The Hunter coast, which includes Port Stephens, is also subject to a marine wind warning.
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.
