This afternoon's storm cancelled the 2024 Carols in the Heart, blew trees and branches down, left debris on Lismore's roads and left 10,600 homes and businesses without power.

The unplanned power outages occurred just after 5:00pm today, following the ferocious storm that hit the area, impacting the high-voltage electricity network.

An Essential Energy spokesperson said safety equipment automatically operated, isolating power to customers after faults were detected on multiple major powerlines, keeping the community safe until crews could assess.

Crews were immediately deployed, commencing patrols of impacted powerlines, assessing damage, safeguarding the public from damaged electricity infrastructure and completing some repairs.

Fallen powerlines, damaged electrical equipment and vegetation on powerlines have been reported in multiple locations.

Power was restored to 1,121 customers in parts of East Lismore just before 9:00pm. Crews will continue to work into the night, addressing safety issues and completing repairs where it is safe.

Due to the widespread damage impacting major powerlines, customers in parts of Lismore, Coraki, Wardell, Woodburn, Broadwater, Evans, Booerie Creek, Koonorigan, Coffee Camp, The Channon, Nimbin and surrounding areas are likely to be without power overnight. 

Power outage tips and estimated times of restoration can be view at essentialenergy.com.au/outages

Essential Energy thanks customers for their patience and reminds the public to stay at least eight metres away from fallen powerlines, power poles or damaged electricity infrastructure and report immediately to 13 20 80 or, if life-threatening, call Triple-0.