IT was an otherwise quiet and balmy summer’s day when what was to be a freak storm unleashed its furious wrath on the city.
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On Monday afternoon, when most locals were knocking off work for the day, 44mm of rain, winds of up to 96km/h and large hailstones belted the city, uprooting trees, damaging homes, cutting traffic and downing power poles.
As roofs were ripped off, traffic lights were out and flash flooding threatened CBD traffic, most residents helplessly watched the destruction from the safety of inside their homes or businesses.
But for a brave army of local men and women – some paid and some voluntary – work was only just beginning.
Tamworth Regional Council, State Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue NSW, local police and the Green Army all immediately sent crews out to respond to a swag of calls for help as the storm left its trail of destruction.
Within minutes, crews were clearing fallen branches from roads, redirecting traffic and responding to a growing jobs list.
When most of us were worried whether our cars had been damaged by hail or if we’d left windows open, these workers had far more pressing things on their mind – our safety.
In what can often be our darkest hour, emergency workers are there to help us.
SES workers give up their personal time in various duties necessary to keep the community safe.
In the case of council staff, the work includes putting up road closure signs and monitoring the condition of the levees.
Police are first called when traffic lights are out and they need to direct motorists, while Fire and Rescue crews do what they can, from removing branches and dangerous trees to rescuing stranded animals.
The federal government-funded Green Army is also a driving force in cleaning up after a major storm hits.
This type of work is done at all hours, in all weather conditions.
Monday night’s storm may have lasted less than half an hour, but the work it left behind is still being felt.
Clean-up efforts continued into Tuesday as these groups worked to clear roads and public spaces.
The prompt response from all parties involved must be acknowledged, as must their continued efforts in the days after. It is time we thank them for all the work they do.
