Bobcats, tractors, chainsaws, service crews and residents - it was all hands on deck when a hailstorm ripped through Murrumbateman on January 3.
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The SES Yass Unit was called to properties from about 6.15pm on Monday night, and worked with RFS members and the Yass Valley Council to clean up the mess.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicted hail, heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms across parts of the Southern Tablelands, South Coast and ACT on the night.
Yass SES unit commander Jason Bell said hundreds of trees were uprooted, caused debris and needed to be cleared.
"It was pretty chaotic," he said.
"It was just trees everywhere, [it] caught [us] by surprise."
The unit received up to eight requests but Mr Bell said many calls were directed to the RFS and Triple Zero.
Yass SES even received calls from the ACT, where the hailstorm also wreaked havoc, and left vehicles and homes damaged and properties without power.
One team at the unit assisted took part in a five hour operation to clear the driveway of an elderly couple who were trapped on their property.
The hailstorm also destroyed crops on up to 10 wineries across the town as reported by the Canberra Times.
Winemaker and co-founder of Helm Wines Ken Helm said the hailstorm was only 15 minutes, but its impact would go beyond that.
"It'll go on for weeks to assess the damage," he said to the Yass Tribune.
Mr Kenny said while some crops were not affected, and some could be salvaged, and pruned for the next season, there was a small portion that were not so lucky.
"[There was] damage so bad that [it would] take us two years to bring it back to normal," he said.
He said he would have to re-evaluate the winery's business model.
Despite the destruction, Mr Bell praised everyone for their efforts.
"It was good to see the community spirit and good to see the community and help from neighbours," he said.
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Briannah Devlin
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
