G'day all,
Owyergoin? Today's been a blowy day on the east coast of Oz. Here's tonight's news report from Associated Press:
| 18:57 AEST Sun 24 Aug 2003 | |
| Winds wreak havoc along coast Strong winds have caused widespread damage along the state's eastern seaboard and in some inland areas. NSW State Emergency Services (SES) spokesman Peter O'Neill said the strong gale force winds were expected to continue, then become moderate overnight. "A lot of trees have come down, also branches have come down ... into yards, across roads, onto cars, (the winds have) brought down power lines, and we've also had a lot of house damage," he said. "We've had over 500 SES volunteers out, and they've been supported by the NSW Fire Brigade's firefighters. "They've been attending jobs from Shoalhaven in the south through Kiama, Wollongong, Shoal Harbour, right along the coastal areas of Sydney ... but we've also had a lot of reports of damage around the Orange/Bathurst area," he saidEarlier, one person was killed and two people trapped after a tree fell onto their car on Sydney's north shore. A NSW Ambulance spokeswoman said ambulance, police and fire crews were called at 2.10pm (AEST) to the incident on Memorial Avenue, St Ives. She said live wires were down at the scene. No further details were immediately available. Meanwhile, Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers responded to more than 700 calls for help as strong winds and heavy rain swept across the state. Most calls were from homes hit by flash floods and roof damage, according to the SES. More than 250 SES volunteers from 40 units answered emergency calls. The hardest hit areas were across Melbourne's south-east and the Mornington Peninsula. Meanwhile, two houses in Williamstown suffered extensive damage from large trees felled by the winds. Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Ken Dickinson said winds at the southern end of Port Phillip Bay reached 120kph, while 80mm of rain fell in Victoria's north-east. In the ACT, strong winds brought down powerlines and started a house fire in the Canberra suburb of Lyneham, police said. A householder was treated for mild shock, a police spokesman said. Wind was gusting at 50kph to 60kph when fire broke out in the roof of the Wattle Street house at 12.40pm (AEST), the spokesman said. "The fire was related to two powerlines that were brought down by the wind," the spokesman said. Firefighters attended but no damage estimate was yet available. Mrs Ozzie and I attended a large 21st birthday party this afternoon in the Arabic community up in Sydney. Some spent their time holding on to the marquee supports! Anyway, now it's time to seek shelter and reminisce for a while with a poll. How about that? We're 60 polls old today!!! Now that deserves a drink! This weekend's poll question is: How many unused magazines did you have at home? 1. None (I lied!) 2. None (I didn't get any!) 3. About 50. 4. About 100 5. Too many! 6. Bottom shelf of linen cupboard. 7. Bottom shelf of wardrobe. 8. The whole wardrobe! (Kept my clothes hanging on the door!) 9. In the recycling bin. 10. Filled my car boot. 11. Other (please detail!) We're looking forward to reading your memories! Enjoy. Cheers, Ozzie | |