Thousands of homes are without power tonight as wild winds lash the Illawarra.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Endeavour Energy is reporting 1043 homes have power outages in Lake Heights and Warrawong with power expected to return between 11.30pm and 1.30am.
There are 1038 homes with out power in the suburbs of Jamberoo, Jerrara, Kiama and Kiama Downs. Power is expected to be restored by 11.30pm.
There is relief in sight for residents.
The Bureau of Meteorology is reporting severe winds are expected to ease in the region over the weekend.
However a gale force wind warning is still in place for Saturday for the Illawarra coast.
Damaging winds, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are expected for the area.
At 8pm, Illawarra State Emergency Service crews had attended 215 calls for assistance such as removing fallen trees, securing fences and gutters and repairing a Kiama Downs shed roof that had blown off.
The SES advises people to move their vehicles under cover, secure or put away loose items around the house, yard and balcony and keep at least eight metres away from fallen power lines.
Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003 or www.endeavourenergy.com.au/outages), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
If you need emergency assistance due to wind damage from the SES call, 132 500.