27 December 2000 - Severe Storm Tamworth
A trough over north-eastern NSW bringing unstable conditions combined with moisture from a cloud band stretching from the Gulf of Carpentaria through Queensland and into north-eastern NSW resulted a severe storm in Tamworth on the 27th of December. The storm produced strong winds, flash flooding and hail at around 3.45pm. 7mm of rain fell at the airport while 50mm fell in the city in a 30 minute period.
Powerlines were brought down in Upper St and trees blocked the road at the corner of Scott Rd and Peel St.
Many buildings were inundated by water along Peel Street and surrounding streets, including Coles supermarket, JT Fossey’s car yard, Grace Brothers, the Guy Kable Building and the Post Office. The corner of Bridge and Ebsworth streets was about 30cm under water and the Regent Cinema was evacuated as water leaked through the ceiling.
The Explorer (train) was delayed at the station due to debris and tree branches on the track at the Brisbane St level crossing.
Lightning started a grass fire along Manilla Rd and brought down powerlines from a direct strike on a home in Oxley Vale.