Hwy lane closed, power lines on fire as storm hits Byron
UPDATED, 4.55pm: Power lines have fallen at Shirley St, Byron Bay, and are on fire.
Authorities are on the scene.
UPDATED, 4.10pm: ONE lane of the Pacific Hwy at Brunswick Heads has closed after a tree fell on it.
It's 1km south of Tweed St in the northbound lane.
Also, a tree has fallen on at Pilgrim Memorial Park in Brunswick Heads.
INITIAL report, 3.17pm: Torrential rain and howling winds are causing havoc across the Byron Shire with 2660 customers without power.
Essential Energy says it is likely the customers will remain without power overnight.
Some rural roads are closed due to landslips and trees down across Mullumbimby Rd, at Mullumbimby outside the football field, local schools also closed their doors early.
The library roof at Mullumbimby Public School received some damage when branches fell onto it.
Other Byron Shire schools reported little damage, but it was chaos at home time with students, teachers and parents battling the elements and roads clogged with cars and buses.
Belongil resident John Vaughan said properties there had "dodged a bullet" this morning because recent high tides had been comparatively low.
However, the coastline had been "smashed" by the surf pounding against it, and the Geo bag protection wall had collapsed, Mr Vaughan said.
For more information on roads visit myroadinfo.com.au
