Emergency services scrambled to dozens of callouts in Parkes after a storm supercell smashed the NSW Central West town on Saturday afternoon.
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Damaging winds, flash flooding and hail causing significant damage across the shire in a destructive short, sharp episode.
Winds of a phenomenal 158km/h hit Parkes airport over a five-minute period while 32mm of rain hammered down in an hour.
SES volunteers from Parkes, Peak Hill, Forbes and Cowra along with the NSW RFS volunteers and Parkes Shire Council are dealing with the calls as fast as they can.
"The SES has been inundated with calls and are working through them as quickly and as safely as we can," a Lachlan NSW SES spokesperson said.
On Saturday evening, Parkes Shire Council asked residents to avoid Wellington Road and Lorking Street. East Street was open, it said, under traffic control but significantly damaged.
Parkes Shire Council is working to clear significant debris and trees from roadways and responding to burst water mains.
"The response will continue overnight and tomorrow please be patient and be sure to thank our amazing volunteers who are out there doing their best to help their community," the SES said.
Parkes Waste Facility will accept green waste free of charge until close of business Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Though, remember, the the facility is closed Mondays.
- For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
- If your life is in danger, call 000.
