100km/h winds lash Sydney city

It appears that Sydney's warm hiatus is over at last. Wind gusts of up to 100 km per hour lashed the city last week (August 10), ripping roofs off buildings and leaving thousands without power.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for the city and parts of the state's coast, predicting high speed winds and wave heights exceeding five metres.

According to reports, St Paul's Catholic College in Manly was evacuated after the roof was blown off and carried by winds to a nearby car park.

More than 5,000 Sydneysiders were reported to be without power, with blackouts affecting homes both north and south of the city.

With considerable damage reported across the city, tradies are likely to be in high demand as clean up begins in affected parts.

Tradesmen looking to carry out roof repairs or remove loose branches from damaged trees may want to use access equipment from their local Kennards Hire store.

To work safely at elevated heights it is important to use the right equipment to ensure safety - hiring a cherry picker or scissor lift  may be helpful with roof and other height related jobs.