Updated
Grays Point has suffered extensive storm damage after being hit with what residents say was a mini version of the 2015 Kurnell tornado.
Many homes were damaged by the ferocious storm that hit about 8pm on Saturday night.
One resident said the scene on Sunday was “like walking through an apocalyptic world”.
Trees and branches crashed on to houses, swimming pools and cars during the storm, with the extent of the damage revealed on Sunday morning.
One huge tree fell on a house metres from a bedroom where a girl was sleeping.
At 3pm on Sunday, SES Sutherland Shire reported 250 calls for assistance following the storm.
”We have eight storm damage teams and three RFS teams active today, who are working hard to assist and complete as many requests for assistance as quickly and safely as possible, with an impact assessment currently being completed in Grays Point,” the SES said.
“In order to keep our hard working volunteers safe, any power lines that are down need to be isolated before we can commence working. We appreciate your patience.
“All community members are reminded to treat all fallen power lines as live and stay at least 8m away.
“If you have received storm damage and need help, call NSW SES on 132 500 for assistance.”
SES Sutherland Shire volunteers were shocked by the destruction.
“Day break has brought heart ache for many residents of Grays point,” said a post on the SES Sutherland Shire Facebook page.
“With this level of destruction present, teams will be working for several days to cut clear and make temporary repairs to many properties.
“Though small it was intense, with some comparing it to a ‘Mini Kurnell Tornado’.”
Hundreds of homes at Kurnell were damaged by the tornado, which produced winds of 217 kilometres per hour just before Christmas in 2015.
The SES thanked police, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Rural Fire Service for their their assistance with the recovery work and residents “for their patience and resilience”.
Road closures were in place on Sunday morning
Inglewood Road was closed in both directions and road blocks were being operated by police on Warren Avenue, Noyana Avenue and Grays Point Road.
Only residents were being allowed through at these points.
North West Arm road was open the entire length.
Grays Point Road was open between Inglewood road and Warren Avenue although traffic was heavy,
The SES recommended those who didn’t need to be in the area keep it free for residents and emergency services.
Grays Point resident and former Fairfax photographer Mike Sea said the devastation was “enormous”.
“It’s like walking through an apocalyptic world, that’s how bad it is,’ he said.
“The area is full of SES and RFS volunteers, along with police,and Fire and Rescue.”
Mr Sea and his partner Heather were returning home about 11pm on Saturday night when they were stopped at a police road block.
“The police officer didn’t have any information, but told us we couldn’t go down there,” he said.
After waiting a considerable time, they walked along a bush track, guided by light from their mobile phones.
When they got near the damaged area, they found “power lines down everywhere”.
They were guided past the danger by emergency service workers.
Comments on the Leader Facebook page included:
- “That was definitely a tornado!”
- “I'm in the suburb next door and certainly didn't get this fortunately.”
- “Father in law lost half the roof off his factory in Kirrawee.”
A Kurnell resident wrote: “Feel so terribly sad for those affected. This was us in 2015 so I know exactly what heartache they are going to have to go through. I wish them all the very best xx”