A severe thunderstorm moved across the Northern Rivers from the south west last Thursday (January 23) morning.
Extremely high winds caused extensive damage, with falling trees blocking roads, and homes and motor vehicles being damaged.
Multiple lightning strikes cut electricity to approximately 2,500 homes across the region. Lismore, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, Byron Bay, Ballina, Casino, Kyogle, Tweed Heads, Coolangatta, and surrounding areas were all impacted.
89 requests for assistance
SES Mullumbimby said in a statement that there were 89 requests for assistance in the Byron Shire.
By the following day, they say all but a few were completed, ‘and it is expected that the remainder will be [the day after]’.
‘The damage was widespread and some jobs were in difficult terrain. Thank you for your patience. When out on jobs, we have noticed people helping others, which is wonderful.’
Farmers’ market
Meanwhile, Byron Bay Farmers Market organisers said in its 23 years of operation, ‘Nothing compares to the ferocity of [Thursday’s storm] event’.
‘We want to express a big thank-you to our stallholders and community for literally hanging in there when a freak storm hit the market’.
They said, ‘Around 9.30am, when the market was in full swing, a severe storm with excessive winds hit us’.
‘According to Weatherzone, wind gusts of 119 km/h were recorded at Cape Byron at 9.43am.
Marquees broken
‘All marquees were tied down, however the strength of the winds still managed to break a number of marquees.
‘Thankfully no-one was injured.
‘Thank you to the many customers who helped hold down marquees and offered support during the storm.
‘We truly appreciate it.
‘It’s times like this when community spirit comes to the fore’, management added.
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