Sarina Storms Leave Trail Of Damage

Sarina and surrounding communities were left cleaning up after a severe storm brought down trees, damaged powerlines and cut electricity to more than 2,000 customers. Photo credit: Paul McNamara  

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Sarina and surrounding residents copped quite the downfall when a reported supercell charged through the region last weekend, causing havoc on local roads and leaving thousands without power.

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Branches and shrubs were scattered across roads, while fallen trees and damaged power infrastructure kept crews and locals busy well into the following days.

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Residents on the outskirts of Sarina and surrounding regions described the storm as intense, with the full extent of the damage becoming clearer as crews worked to access affected areas on Monday 9^th November.

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According to Ergon Energy Network, more than 2,000 customers across Sarina, Koumala, Ilbilbie, Clairview, Armstrong Beach, Mount Christian and surrounding areas lost power following Sunday's storms on the 8^th November.

In an update on Monday morning, the network reported at least five power poles needed replacing, with multiple sections of powerline brought down after 66,000 lightning strikes were recorded within 100 kilometres of Sarina.

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Ergon Energy Network said crews from Mackay, Pinnacle and Cannonvale were assisting the Sarina depot, while aerial patrols were being carried out to assess damage in areas that could not be reached by road.

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The 33kV line supplying the Koumala area was among the worst affected, with multiple poles snapped and access difficulties delaying assessments and repairs.

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Ergon Energy Network also confirmed crews had cleared fallen wires blocking the Bruce Highway south of Sarina late Sunday night.

Power was reportedly restored to affected residents early Tuesday morning, following an extensive repair effort.

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