The storm resulted in buildings losing sections of roofs, powerlines falling in streets, and property damage and lane obstruction from falling trees and branches.

State Emergency Service (SES) deputy region controller, Steve Basham, said yesterday virtually all premises in Boggabilla had been affected by the storm.

“The worst (damage) that I recall was the bulk grain storage facility,” Mr Basham said.

“That looked like someone had sat on it, like a fairly large giant.”

SES volunteers from surrounding areas responded on December 29, covering damaged residences with tarpaulins to reduce water damage as rain continued, Mr Basham said.

Boggabilla Fire Brigade senior deputy and town resident, Garry Roberts, said the storm hit about 4pm NSW time, and at first he “just thought it was a big dust storm coming.”

“I was waiting for the roof to go,” Mr Roberts said.

“You couldn’t see the highway for the trees and powerlines that had fallen down.”

He didn’t think anyone was hurt at all during the storm, Mr Roberts said.

Although there was relatively little rain during the strong winds, heavy downpours lasted for three hours after the buffeting, he said.

Moree Plains Shire Council sealed roads superintendent, Dennis Purse, said council crews were in Boggabilla from December 30, working with SES volunteers to help clean up the town.

“We’re hoping to have the bulk (of the cleanup) done by Friday this week,” Mr Purse said yesterday.

“We’ve still got a lot of laneways blocked.”

Council crews of 10 to 12 workers put in overtime to help restore some normalcy to the community, which lost power for at least two days, Mr Purse said.

Boggabilla had received the brunt of the storm, sustaining the most damage, while Toomelah had a number of fallen trees, Mr Basham said.

NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS) State Disaster Recovery Centre manager, Wendy Graham, said the most important thing was to get information to people quickly to help them recover.

Residents who needed assistance could call the DoCS State Disaster Recovery Centre on 1800 018 444, Ms Graham said.

“By phoning the hotline, residents can find out if they qualify for financial assistance for essential household items and structural repairs, available to those who are most affected and with limited financial resources,” she said.

SES volunteers continued working on sites until Friday, January 2, with more than 200 jobs completed, Mr Basham said.

“Everyone was affected somehow.”