BALLINA COPS BRUNT OF WILD WEATHER
The north coast town of Ballina has been hit by wild winds and torrential rain as a deep low pressure system crosssed the coast there this afternoon.
Roofs have been damaged by the wind, the Commonwealth Bank lost its as the wind came roaring in, as did a centre for the disabled. The SES has received 140 calls for help. 14,000 homes and businesses across the north coast have had their power knocked out.
Further inland at Lismore, the Wilsons River has broken its banks. Residents at the South Lismore Caravan Park have been put on standby, ready to move should conditions worsen.
There’s a floodwatch in place for most rivers along the north coast including the Wilsons, Richond, Orara and Bellinger.
The small community of Thora near Coffs Harbour has been isolated for the second time in a month. Bishop Druitt College was evacuated this morning, the first of a number of schools in the Coffs area to close early.
At Newcastle, the annual Surfest contest has been temporarily abandoned at Merewether Beach due to the messy conditions whipped up by the low pressure system. Oraganisers will decide tomorrow at 7am where the event will be held.
The Hunter coast is expected to cop the bad weather tonight and into tomorrow.
