The weekend saw the Macleay and surrounding area lashed with wind, rain, thunder and lightning.
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According to Weatherzone, Kempsey had a relativity small rainfall at only 26mm; Crescent Head also got off lightly with only 26mm, although locals have been reporting far more significant rainfalls well into the 40mm range.
A few of smaller trees along Smith Street were shredded in the wild winds with their small trunks unable to withstand the force.
The Community Capability Officer of the NSW SES Mid North Coast Steve Lawrence spoke to the Argus about how the Macleay fared over the weekend.
“There were 76 requests for assistance in total across the Mid North Coast, 5 of those call-outs were for the Kempsey region,” he said.
“The weekend was thankfully not too bad in comparison to what's happening in other areas.”
“We are coming into storm season, so everyone needs to prepare their property's. Secure down any heavy items, barbecue furniture, trampolines, clean any loose foliage from gutters, and beware of low hanging branches.
“People who live near rivers or waterways should have a flood emergency plan in place as well, just in case,” he added.
We are coming into storm season, so everyone needs to prepare their property's.
- Steve Lawrence
In South West Rocks, Weatherzone recorded that 78.2mm fell over the weekend. However, a resident from South West Rocks has reported to the Argus that his rain gauge received nearly double that.
“We got closer to 140mm in our rain gauge,” he said. “The winds were strong too; trees were down, stuff was flying all over the place.”
Our neighbours to the north received a thorough drenching with Coffs Harbour reportedly getting 129.2 mm over the weekend.
It appears the heavy rain is done with the Macleay Valley for now with only a few light showers and thunderstorms forecast for the next seven days leading into Christmas. Other than that it is expected hot weather and good times are ahead, although everyone is cautioned to stay vigilant.
The SES would like to remind everybody to call 132 500 in the event of storm or flood emergency. If its life threatening though, then call 000 as always. Stay indoors and away from windows during lightning strikes. Please be patient when calling with storm damage, as call volumes can get very high.
