Storm sees Parramatta SES respond to over 400 calls for help
Parramatta is in recovery mode after the “intensely violent” storm smashed the region and saw Parramatta SES respond to more than 400 requests for assistance.
Parramatta is in recovery mode after the “intensely violent” storm smashed the region and saw Parramatta SES respond to more than 400 requests for assistance.
The region was the worst hit in Sydney. Wild winds, hail and rain toppled trees, submerged cars at James Ruse Drive and ripped off the roof of the hall at Parramatta North Public School.
Power was restored to the school at the weekend while electricity was cut off to more than 40,000 properties across Sydney, the Illawarra and the Hunter on Friday night.
Principal Kathryn Methven said school was operational today and there would be limited access from certain gates on Albert St.
On Sunday, Parramatta SES had just three outstanding jobs from over 400 calls for assistance.
A total of 36 storm damage teams from 14 other SES units, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Rural Fire Service also assisted.
“I think it would be described as intensely violent,’’ Parramatta volunteer Chris McEwan said.
“It was such a short storm but so violent. When the storm hit, I was sitting in Church St and a number of the hanging signs from the walkway were blown off and got swept down the road.”
He said the storm was “up there” with the most severe the Parramatta unit had encountered.
“Between this one and the one and the one in December we generally would get less than 100 jobs from a storm,’’ he said.
“To have over 400 with this one and maybe more for the last one, these are big events. This is out of the usual for us.”
Guildford bore the brunt of rain with 61mm, followed by 40mm at Sydney Olympic Park.
Rain flooded James Ruse Drive and submerged cars.
Auburn SES also rescued a man in a car submerged on Woodville Rd, Granville.
“It was very lucky no one was injured,” Auburn deputy controller Jamie Newman said.
“People need to heed the warning: if it’s flooded, forget it.
“Power outages at Granville and Guildford made it hard to see the road.”
At Brussels St, South Granville, residents woke to find a mangled trampoline had landed in their yard.
“It travelled about 20m or so, over the six foot fence. The wind was pretty strong.
“The kids were asking for it back.”
At Hambledon Cottage, Parramatta, a 51-year-old jacaranda tree that was planted when the museum opened, was uprooted.
“It’s been the most photogenic tree ... it had become quite an icon,’’ cottage spokesman Trevor Patrick said.
He hopes its replacment will be the native tree callistemon macarthur, a fitting name for a tree given John Macarthur built Hambledon Cottage in 1824.
The NSW State Heritage Register-listed Colonial Georgian-style property was home to several prominent Parramatta figures.
John Macarthur built the cottage, on the grounds of Elizabeth Farm Estate, in 1824.
Merrylands Library and pool were closed on the weekend while there was some flooding on the lower level at Westfield Parramatta.
Lord Mayor elected to lead the ‘heart and soul of NSW’
The Liberals have declared they are regaining control at Parramatta Council, voting in an aspiring state MP as Lord Mayor, with an independent explaining why she made the surprise decision to back him.
Upsets and big names rule Sydney T20 finals
The cream of Sydney’s T20 talent rose to the top in Sunday’s finals. From international batting stars to current state reps, there was plenty on show ahead of next week’s grand final. Full wrap.