Lennox Head Tornado Thursday June 3 2010

IT ARRIVED with no warning, lasted just a few moments, and left a trail of destruction through the sleepy coastal town of Lennox Head - including asbestos sheets scattered across streets.

The tornado that swept in off the ocean on the north coast at about 7.30am yesterday was little more than 50 metres wide, but it left 12 homes in ruins, overturned caravans, brought down power lines, injured residents and sent poles flying into houses and cars.

Last night police issued a health warning to Lennox Head residents to beware of asbestos material from old cottages ripped up by the storm.

Ballina's mayor, Phillip Silver, said the council would join forces with WorkCover today to clean up the potentially deadly
material from about six fibro homes. ''These pieces [of fibro sheeting] that are on the road, cars driving past could break it up.''

The local chamber of commerce estimated the tornado - spinning at about 150km/h and stretching more than one kilometre into the sky - caused $1 million worth of damage to power lines and about $250,000 worth of damage to public infrastructure such as bus shelters.

''The tornado passed through 50 metres south of my house, but the devastation it's left is unbelievable,'' the chamber's president, Louise Owen, said.

State Ballina MP Don Page praised emergency workers.

“The police, SES, ambulance and other emergency service workers are fantastic. I couldn’t fault them,” he said.

"The way the locals are all helping each other is fantastic. It really shows the spirit of the North Coast. Yesterday we faced utter destruction, but after the storm, people are out assisting each other with offers of help and somewhere to stay. It is important that tourists come back to visit this beautiful village, because the community relies on tourism," Dave Heggie, secretary of Ballina Tourism and Hospitality said.

Richmond MP Justine Elliot also toured the devastation yesterday afternoon.

Sandra Van Dijk, from the Insurance Council of Australia, said it was too early todetermine the exact cost of damage to private property.

Electricity was being restored progressively across Lennox Head, with Country Energy checking each house before reconnecting power.

Regional general manager Richard Wake said the storm cut power to 1200 customers.

Meanwhile, fundraising efforts have begun. Former Ballina band Brittle is planning a benefit gig and Southern Cross Credit Union and the Lennox Head Chamber of Commerce have launched an appeal.

Donate at any Southern Cross Credit Union branch to Lennox Head Chamber of Commerce, BSB 802185, acc/no 137897, account name Lennox Head Chamber of Commerce Inc.