NSW: Half a metre of hail trashes northern NSW town

AAP General News (Australia)
12-22-2006
NSW: Half a metre of hail trashes northern NSW town

EDS: Changes keyword from Weather NSW

SYDNEY, Dec 22 AAP - Half a metre of hail dumped in a freak storm in northern NSW has
destroyed an exhibition centre and damaged 150 homes at Armidale.

More than 100 emergency service volunteers are involved in a massive operation to weatherproof
about 200 buildings.

Scores of homes lost their roofs as wild winds and hail the size of tennis balls lashed the town.

The Armidale Exhibition Centre's roof collapsed under the weight of hail.

"It's been completely destroyed by two feet of hail, the whole structure basically
collapsed," said SES spokesman Steve Delaney.

About 150 homes and 40 other buildings in the town suffered structural damage.

There have been no reports of injuries, but it's estimated it will take until late
tomorrow afternoon to secure damaged homes against forecast rain, Mr Delaney said.

More than 100 volunteers are "tarping and taping", including SES crews from surrounding
towns, the Rural Fire Service, council workers and police.

"We've got a fairly large workforce, there's some pretty large jobs in the next 24
to 48 hours," Mr Delaney said

Victims whose homes were damaged have taken refuge with neighbours and friends, he said.

AAP ajc/it/

KEYWORD: HAIL DAYLEAD (CHANGES KEYWORD)

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