A storm swept through Broken Hill earlier this week, causing destruction to the local environment and infrastructure.
A dust-filled weather event was noticeable on Tuesday evening, turning the sky into a brownish haze.
NSW State Emergency Service’s (SES) local unit said it took about 10 minutes for the dust to clear after the storm had passed.
“These dust storms are common in Broken Hill. This storm did cover the entire town and was caused by the strong, hot winds and the dry ground,” a spokesperson said.
“The storm did cause some damage to trees which resulted in four call outs for the NSW SES Broken Hill Unit.”
According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) data, wind gusts blowing south reached 70 kilometres per hour just before 7 pm.
On Wednesday night, the wet and wild weather continued, with thunder and lightning erupting in town and the Far West region.
Broken Hill recorded about 1.8mm of rain, while a lightning strike caused damage to a network pole, resulting in a power outage to more than 300 people locally and in the surrounding townships.
The BOM issued an official cancellation of a severe thunderstorm warning after more bad weather was previously forecasted.
“The immediate threat of severe thunderstorms has passed, but the situation will continue to be monitored, and further warnings will be issued, if necessary,” the statement read.
However, more dust storms will likely occur, with Tuesday’s event marking the first of many of its kind as the town braces for storm season.
“We are expecting to see more storms like this over the coming months as we are currently in storm season,” they said.
“If you need emergency assistance during storms and floods, call the NSW SES on 132 500. If it is a life-threatening situation, call 000.”
