At the height of the storm, 25,000 homes across the region were left without power according to Essential Energy.

Essential Energy crews were working today to restore power to affected homes.

This morning there were more than 5000 blacked out homes and by 11.30am that number had been reduced to 4003.

Essential Energy crews continue to work as quickly as safety will allow to restore power to the remaining households and businesses and this includes brining in additional crews from across the state.

The energy provider estimates around 60 power poles will have to be replaced.

“Crews were dispatched immediately to assess the damage to the network and commence restoring power to as many customers as possible,” regional general manager Matt Paterson said.

“Reports are that a storm cell hit the region and initial feedback from customers who called in and our patrols indicate between 40-60 power poles are down across these main locations as well as widespread isolated faults.

“Local crews worked throughout the night and were able to restore power to a large number of customers affected, however due to the extensive damage, around 9000 customers remained off over night,” Mr Paterson said. “Helicopters will be in the air at first light to assist in providing an accurate picture of the impact to the electricity network. 

“Additional crews were also called in and started leaving as early as 5am this morning from as far away as Wellington, Mudgee and Dubbo to be available first thing to assist local crews to get those remaining customers back on.”