A "mini-tornado" which smashed Kootingal last night has left three homes without rooves, the SES said.
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SES crews responded to 10 callouts across the Tamworth region, including leaking at a Peel Street business and sandbagging against rising waters.
Peel Local Commander Geoff Hanson said the worst damage happened in Kootingal, where a localised storm completely unroofed a house.
"They effectively had a mini-tornado," he said.
The storm was so violent volunteer crews were unable to put a tarp over the building.
Instead, they waterproofed furniture and possessions inside the house.
The home is uninhabitable and its owners have been rehoused in emergency accommodation.
Powerlines came down along Yarrol Road, with homes losing power.
Another Kootingal house lost a roof, while the owners' chicken run also lost its roof.
A Peel Street business reportedly sustained ceiling damage.
Mr Hanson said local crews had been preparing for a busy storm season, with volunteers conducting training for storms.
The new SES light storm vehicle got its first use since it was handed over by Minister David Elliott in November.
Andrew Messenger
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
