The majority of the destruction was centered around the Mudgee township, with over 8000 homes and businesses in the area blacked out for around 12 hours.

Over 100 homes were still waiting for power to be restored at 4pm on Thursday.

Mid-Western Regional Council General Manager Brad Cam said coordinating the clean up after the storm was a problem due to communication issues.

“Essential Energy had problems getting the permit to start work because they couldn’t communicate with anyone.”

“They had six power poles that were snapped in half.”

Essential Energy's Mudgee crews were being assisted by crews and equipment from seven other depots (Bathurst, Dubbo, Dunedoo, Molong, Narromine, Orange and Wellington) and vegetation contractors were also assisting.

“It’s amazing that no-one was injured. We’re being told it was the equivalent of a category two cyclone,” he said.

“The only two incidents that occurred was a lady trapped in her car at Lawson Park. As she was leaving, a tree fell on the bonnet and as she tried to back out a tree fell on her boot. She was trapped but not hurt – just shaken.

“And a lady with her children in the car in Market Street, had a tree fall on her car as she was backing out of her driveway – but nobody was hurt. 

“It’s remarkable for the damage that’s occurred for no injuries,” Mr Cam said. 

Council crews worked to re-open roads that had been affected by storm damage, caused by fallen trees and broken power lines.

“All of our parks are currently closed with significant damage with trees down,” Mr Cam said.

“Lawson Park has copped the most – it’s still in a terrible condition and at this point we have an arborist and staff assessing the trees and cleaning up the hanging branches to try and make it safe.

“It’ll take until early next week to clean up Lawson Park, but we are trying to get Mudgee Pool open by the weekend. 

Resident’s are being reminded to minimise water consumption over the next few days to allow for the Council’s water supply infrastructure to catch up following the power outage. 

Council posted this message to their social media – “Please avoid all non-essential water usage. Saving water by not watering gardens and having short showers will assist.” 

As the clean up continues around homes, Council will waive all fees associated with green waste.