VOLUNTEERS spent the night "mopping up" the aftermath of a severe storm, which lashed Tamworth on Wednesday afternoon.
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Heavy rain brought flash flooding to some parts of town, with 23mm of the wet stuff dumped on the city during the stormy afternoon.
The violent event caused the power to go off at thousands of homes, while strong winds swept trampolines out of backyards and brought trees down across local roads, cars and fences.
Large hail stones were reported across the region, and the Bureau of Meteorology weather station in Tamworth clocked wind gusts of up to 80km per hour.
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The Tamworth branch of the State Emergency Service (SES) teamed up with the Manilla crew and the Rural Fire Service brigades from Tamworth and Gunnedah, as calls for help came flooding in.
Local SES Superintendent Mitch Parker told the Leader four teams responded to more than 60 requests for assistance in Tamworth between 4:30pm and 1am.
"These requests for assistance were mainly leaking roofs, trees down and debris," he said.
"There were some trees threatening or leaning on structures like garages, fences, and there were some powerlines down blocking roads."
Superintendent Parker said the deluge of rain meant water flooded some local properties, and said the Oxley Vale area appeared to have been the hardest hit.
The SES boss said he had seen photos circulating on social media of several trampolines which had been swept up in the storm and dumped on roads, sheds, fences and in other people's backyards.
With another storm expected to roll in this afternoon, he had a warning for locals.
"Secure and tie down any loose items, ensure your gutters are cleared, and if you need assistance, please call 132 500," Superintendent Parker said.
He said volunteers were preparing for the next storm event.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a very high chance of showers on Thursday, most likely during this afternoon and evening. There is a chance of another thunderstorm, which could be severe.
- In an emergency, call Triple Zero
- For assistance, call the SES on 132 500
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