Australia storm cuts power to thousands in New South Wales

Severe weather conditions have battered parts of eastern Australia, leaving tens of thousands without electricity and prompting warnings of flooding and travel disruption.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), more than 27,500 homes and businesses in New South Wales (NSW) were without power on Saturday evening due to storm-related damage.

Power provider Essential Energy said crews were "working to restore power where it is safe to do so," but warned that ongoing dangerous weather would likely delay full restoration until Sunday.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) issued 28 storm warnings across the state, with moderate to heavy rainfall forecast for regions including the Coffs Coast, Mid North Coast, Upper Hunter and New England. Authorities said minor flooding is expected in parts of the state, with a possibility of moderate flooding in some areas.

Nicole Hogan, assistant commissioner of NSW SES, urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, warning that “heavy and persistent rainfall could cause roads to become flooded and impassable.”

In an unusual development, snowfall blanketed the Northern Tablelands, with ABC reporting depths never seen before in the region. Around 200 vehicles were reportedly stranded in the area due to the severe snow conditions.

Emergency services continue to respond to calls for assistance as the wild weather stretches into the weekend.

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