Australia: Vicious Storms Tornado's rip through New South Wales

[Pastor Dale Morgan]

Australia: Vicious Storms Tornado's rip through New South Wales

• By Jessica Johnston
• From: Gold Coast Bulletin
• June 03, 2010 8:58AM

TWO people have been taken to hospital amid reports of widespread damage after a tornado ripped through Lennox Head, northern NSW this morning.

The wild storm was reportedly heading up the coast, with reports of two twisters sighted off Byron Bay, the Gold Coast Bulletin said today.

At Lennox Head, roofs were ripped off, people trapped in cars in rising flood waters and power lines felled during the freak storm, which hit at about 7.30am (AEST).

There were unconfirmed reports of people missing, and other reports of people injured by flying debris.

A mother and daughter were taken to Ballina Hospital with minor head injuries.

A witness told ABC news that the twister "sounded like a jet" as it crossed the coast.

Early reports indicate the Pacific Parade area was the worst affected after a water-spout hit the shore, with caravans and cabins at the Lake Ainsworth Caravan Park overturned.

A command post has been set up at Lennox Point Hotel, and evacuation centres have been established.

Residents have been warned to stay in their homes.

Weather Channel meteorologist Tom Saunders said the water-spout was like a mini-tornado, which produced flash flooding and damaging winds.

A severe thunderstorm warning has also been issued for the area, with large hail, very heavy rain, flash flooding and water-spouts that could produce destructive winds likely.

The affected area includes Lennox Head, Lismore, Byron Bay, Ballina, Brunswick Head and Evans Head.

Emergency services from across the region are rushing to assess the damage.

Floodwaters forced a school at Middle Pocket, near Mullumbimby, to close this morning.

Up to 185mm of rain fell in some areas last night, an SES spokesman said.

For local updates on this story, visit the Gold Coast Bulletin.