It was an hour of horror.
That’s how many have described the severe storm that hit the western edge of Millicent on December 12.
In an hour’s time, the storm had uprooted trees, tore down power lines, blown roofs off, and caused widespread devastation to what, otherwise, would have been a peaceful evening for the community preparing for Christmas festivities.
The storm hit the south eastern town at around 6pm, bringing smashing winds and downpours.
The Bureau of Meteorology has described the weather event, with all the thunderstorms and the damage that’s occurred, as consistent with a tornado hitting the town.
Local emergency service providers responded to dozens of calls for assistance, many regarding evacuation and trees falling on houses, garages, and cars.
Many residents also shared video footage of the storm on social media, with a local landowner capturing the scary moment on his phone of a huge pine tree being ripped from the ground.
The Wattle Range Council has confirmed “a significant storm” carved a swathe of destruction through the Wattle Range landscape from Furner through to Millicent.
“High winds and heavy rains have damaged many homes and sheds, downed power lines, and uprooted hundreds of significant trees,” Council CEO Ben Gower said.
“Crews worked through the night to clear roads and address any immediate risks to property owners, but there is still a considerable amount of work to be done,” Mr Gower said.
Council director of engineering services, Peter Halton, told The News that the council was doing its best to help the community get back into semblance as they get ready for Christmas.
“We have a lot of red gum trees knocked off, hundreds of them, which would have been 100 years old. We have a lot of clearing to do, mainly in the vegetated roadside and rural living areas that have been affected,” Mr Halton said.
He said “a lot of mess” needs clearing, and help has come from the District Council of Grant and the City of Mount Gambier towards cleaning-up efforts.
“We have a lot to do and improve. It’s not the best of time for the people, but we will try and clear up before Christmas, but some work will extend into the new year.
“We will continue to support the community in the best possible way we can.”
Mr Halton said the council was conducting a risk assessment of trees for public safety.
He said the nature reserve at Lake McIntyre remains closed as it has suffered significantly, with a lot of trees down.
The council has reminded members of the community of the impact that this storm has had on farm and residential property fences and that there is a heightened risk of stock and domestic animals potentially getting out and onto the public road network.
“They are also reminded that the fire season is active and that fire permits are required before any waste material can be burned,” the council said.
“Council is working with landowners and contractors to find suitable locations to deposit larger trees that are unable to be mulched so they can be burned at a later date once the fire season has concluded.”
Meanwhile, because of the severe weather event, lightning started a bushfire at Binnum, near Naracoorte.
It is understood that about 100 hectares of scrub and farmland were burned because of the fire.
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
