The Hawkesbury was lashed by powerful storms overnight, leaving a trail of damage and disruption as emergency services worked tirelessly to respond to calls for help. The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has reported 1,890 incidents across the state since the thunderstorm system began yesterday, with 34 of those occurring in the Hawkesbury.

Local crews were kept busy addressing the impacts of strong winds and heavy rain, which caused trees to fall and roofs to leak. In Windsor, a tree came crashing down onto the verandah of a granny flat on The Terrace, with large branches sprawling across the roof. At Marsden Crescent in Bligh Park, two trees blocked a road, creating further hazards for residents. Meanwhile, in South Windsor, a large tree came down on Cox Street, obstructing both lanes and forcing drivers to seek alternative routes. 

The storms caused havoc on the states power network with more than 15,600 customers without power this morning. At the peak last night more than 31,400 customers were without power, many of whom remained without power overnight due to conditions not being safe for crews.

Emergency Services said that the dangers remain with wet soil, unstable trees, potential destructive winds and flash flooding. Residents have been urged to stay indoors where possible and to avoid fallen trees and powerlines. Flash flooding, they warn, can occur suddenly and without official alerts, making it vital to monitor conditions and avoid travel during heavy rain.

As the storms continue, officials are advising against camping near rivers or creeks, which could rise quickly without warning, and cautioning against driving or walking through floodwaters, a danger that can prove fatal in even shallow depths.

Weather forecasts suggest more rain is on its way.

The thunderstorms are expected to combine with a low-pressure system, bringing significant rainfall through to Saturday. Predictions include widespread falls of 30 to 80 millimeters, with some areas potentially seeing 100 to 200 millimeters of rain. Friday is anticipated to be the peak day for rainfall.

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Photo credit: SES Wilberforce