While wild winds slammed the Bega Valley on Friday, August 9, they have caused less damage than the State Emergency Service (SES) expected.
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On the day the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds on parts of the South Coast.
It also warned sheep graziers in the region cold temperatures, showers and strong westerly winds were expected on Friday and Saturday.
Speaking at midday on Friday, acting unit commander at Bega SES Yvette Ringland said she knew there was one tree down in Merimbula and wind had caused damage to a property at Bemboka.
"We did expect we might have a few more calls, touch wood," she said.
"I'm pleased to say the wind hasn't caused as much damaged today as we'd expected."
As she was talking, she received a report that a tree had fallen down across Nutleys Creek Rd in Bermagui.
"Access can be quite an issue for some residents," she said.
"It can be an issue if residents are elderly or require medications."
Weatherzone reported wind gusts in Bega peaked at 80km/h about 12pm on Friday while wind speeds reached 52km/h an hour later.
In Merimbula, gusts hit 76km\h about 1pm on the day and speeds were at 46km/h about the same time.
The situation was even more severe in the Snowy Mountains, where wind gusts reached 118km/h at Thredbo about 4am.
Ms Ringland said volunteers at the SES stations in Bega, Bermagui and Eden would remain on standby across the weekend.
While the advice she had received from BOM was the strongest winds would be hitting the South Coast on Friday, she said the teams were still prepared for blustery, cold weather.
"We're recommending people secure loose items around their homes because they tend to become projectiles in big gusts," she said.
If the wind has caused damage such as causing trees to fall down or damaged houses, people can call the SES on 132 500.
Preparation against wind damage
The SES states ways to prepare against damage from winds include:
- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees;
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony;
- Keep at least eight metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences;
- 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.
Albert McKnight
Journalist at Bega District News.
Journalist at Bega District News.
