The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued a warning on Tuesday afternoon for wild winds and heavy rain.

As of 6.15pm there were widespread blackouts across the region, including at: Kelso, O’Connell, Brewongle, Rockley, Georges Plains, Caloola, Newbridge, Vittoria, Duckmaloi and Millthorpe.

Data from the BOM, however, shows just 1.4 millimetres of rain has been recorded at Bathurst Airport since 9am on Tuesday.

Wind gusts have reached up to 50km/h at 5.30pm.

For emergency help in a storm call Bathurst SES on 132 500.

Regional Manager Northern, Mark Summers, said when storms, lightning, heavy rain and wind gusts damage Essential Energy’s network and disrupt power supplies, crews were ready to respond.

“Despite our comprehensive maintenance program, our vast network can be at the mercy of the weather during the traditional storm season from October to April,” he said.

“Essential Energy monitors the network continuously and has crews ready to be dispatched in the event of an unplanned power outage.

“While our crews are ready to respond 24/7, we’re asking our customers to also be prepared for storms, stay safe and be patient while we work to restore power after these severe weather events.”

Essential Energy reminds people to report fallen powerlines or damaged infrastructure and keep at least eight metres away.

“Always treat powerlines as live and remember that anything in contact with them, such as cars, trees or fences, can conduct electricity and pose a danger,” Mr Summers said.

“Be aware that fallen powerlines may not always be visible in paddocks or rugged countryside, or could be hidden by storm debris.”

If you notice fallen trees, deceased animals, smoke, fire, or scorched areas around electrical equipment, call Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80.

In an emergency, Essential Energy crews will isolate fault areas and clear fallen vegetation from powerlines to make communities safe and, where possible, back-feed power from other areas. 

Major powerlines are re-energised first to restore electricity to the majority of customers.

Once this is completed, field crews target individual faults and customers’ problems, such as broken house service lines.