A lightning strike on Jolly Nose blew up the transformer that feeds power to the communications tower, disrupting television reception in the area.

“Due to the boggy, four wheel drive conditions to reach the top of Jolly Nose, crews were unable to replace the transformer until Thursday afternoon on December 28,” an Essential Energy spokesperson said. 

“Special equipment had to be sourced from Coffs Harbour to assist with the repairs, ensuring safe access to the site.”

The spokesperson said summer storms have lashed the North Coast over the past week and have caused significant damage to the electricity network.

Widespread power outages were experienced across the Hastings in the late evening on December 24 when a storm cell brought with it intense thunder and lightning, strong winds and heavy rain.

It was followed by more than 200mm of rain dumped on the region in a second storm front on Boxing Day.

According to Weatherzone, it is the highest December rainfall reading in Port Macquarie in 130 years.

The Essential Energy spokesperson said over 6000 customers were without power Christmas Eve, with a further 7000 customers losing power on Christmas and Boxing Day.

Crews responded to numerous faults and damage to the network with trees falling over powerlines and lightning hitting a number of transformers across the network.