With the severity of the storms, our power infrastructure has been affected, and Essential Energy has been out in the weather fixing what they can.

A new storm warning that has been looming in the West is now making its presence known at the coast, and the worst of this storm will affect the area to the east of Lismore city.

A spokesperson for Essential Energy says, "Homes and businesses across parts of the Northern Rivers have been affected by widespread unplanned power outages following the high winds that have swept through the area over the past 24 hours.

"Safety equipment has operated following faults detected on the electricity network, isolating power to keep the community safe until crews can assess the damage and safely repair.

"High winds, trees and branches have caused widespread damage to the electricity network impacting power supply to various areas between Maclean and Murwillumbah.

Essential Energy crews are managing to get on top of some of the issues - as I type this, the power has just come back on. However the storms are persisting, and more outages are to be expected.

"Essential Energy crews have today been working hard in challenging conditions to restore power, however repairs have been severely hampered by the continued ferocious winds, fallen trees and heavy rain preventing safe access and the use of elevated work platforms to complete repairs in many locations.

"Repair work is continuing with the restoration efforts being bolstered by crews from outside the affected areas who have been brought in to assist local crews complete repairs and restore power as quickly as safety will allow.

"Currently just over 4,300 customers remain without power. Estimated restoration times will be available on Essential Energy’s website once known."

The issues are being dealt with asap, but with the light beginning to fall, that window is closing for today.

"Due to the difficult conditions, customers who do not have their power restored by nightfall, are likely to be without power overnight.

"Essential Energy recommends customers consider their power contingency plans to ensure their safety.

(Heading for Lismore, now)

"Crews will be back on deck first thing tomorrow, to continue with repairs where it is safe.

"Essential Energy thanks the community for its patience while our teams work to restore power and reminds customers to immediately report fallen powerlines, network damage, fires or trees contacting powerlines to Essential Energy on 13 20 80 or call Triple-0 if the situation is life threatening."

Here are the current areas experiencing power outages:

Please be aware, that the storm / rain situation is not over yet. There has been more weather looming off the coast heading west, and it will be affecting Lismore over the next couple of hours:

Keep an eye out on the BOM and Live Traffic websites for details on how it affects your area, as well as SES for the river heights and potential flooding.