- Seven electricity pylons destroyed near Broken Hill
- Broken Hill running on a generator for power
A tornado is believed to be responsible for leaving a major regional city in total darkness after seven electricity pylons were destroyed.
Residents of Broken Hill, in the far west outback region of New South Wales, are now reliant on a diesel generator after being devastated by a megastorm on Wednesday.
The peripheral cities remain dark until Friday.
“The infrastructure damage that occurred south of Broken Hill is consistent with… the possible presence of a tornado,” a Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson said.
The storm toppled 220,000-volt towers that supply power to the region.
The town of Broken Hill (pictured), in the far west outback region of New South Wales, is now reliant on a generator after being torn apart by a “tornado” on Wednesday.
Seven electricity towers were destroyed when the ‘tornado’ hit
An Essential Energy spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: “Essential Energy is hoping to restore power to 1,400 customers in Menindee, Wilcannia and Sunset Strip this afternoon, after a major storm caused extensive damage to the grid. transmission on Wednesday night, causing several damages to the transmission network. It rises south of Broken Hill.
“Essential Energy crews are completing aerial surveys along power lines from Broken Hill to Menindee, Sunset Strip and Wilcannia, to check for additional damage before restoring power.”
The spokesperson added: “If no further damage is found, power will be restored, otherwise repairs will be organised.”
“Customers will receive updates if their power remains out overnight.”
More to come.