The roof of a small town pub has been torn off by strong winds described by locals as "nearly cyclonic," as storms lashed the length of NSW.
The Clarence Hotel's roof was stripped off on Tuesday afternoon during a raging storm that caused widespread damage to the Northern Rivers Region, including flash flooding.
Maclean locals uploaded photographs of the storm's aftermath to social media, showing the town's pub without a roof and debris scattered through the streets.
Waterview Motel owner Brian Koorockin described the winds as "nearly cyclonic".
"It started off as rain, then thunder and lightning and then the wind just picked up and pulled roofs off, pulled trees out of the ground and knocked over fences," Mr Koorockin told AAP.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"The hotel roof is over the top of powerlines...it's sort of hanging off the side, it kind of flipped off."
Mr Koorockin said he wasn't aware if anyone was inside the pub when the roof lifted off, but joked there was a good chance some regulars were in attendance.
"There would have been a couple of bar flies in there," he said.
NSW Police issued a warning for Maclean residents to use caution when travelling through the area after the storm.
A NSW State Emergency Service spokeswoman told AAP the SES had responded to more than 200 calls across the state, with the most coming from around the Maclean area.
The spokeswoman said several roofs had been damaged in the town, including at the Big River Sailing Club and the Maclean Showgrounds.
Mr Koorockin said the town had lost power around lunchtime, leaving his guests with no air conditioning or light.
"I've got a motel full of people, all I've given them is just torches, they're all probably kicking back relaxing," he said.
Electricity is expected to be restored by Wednesday, according to the SES.
Cawongla received 32mm of rain in 30 minutes, while 76km/h wind gusts were reported at Evans Head.
Meanwhile golf-ball-sized hail was recorded at Bullburra in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney.
While thunderstorm warnings were issued for much of the NSW coastline, many were eased in the evening.
