Driver dies after crashing into fallen tree as storms lash parts of NSW

A man has died after his car crashed into a fallen tree, brought down by savage storms that lashed Central West New South Wales overnight. NSW Police says the 81-year-old crashed on Lachlan Valley Way shortly before 3am. He was the sole occupant of the car, and died at the scene. Live Traffic history showed that Lachlan Valley Way was closed shortly after the crash. NSW State Emergency Service (SES) communications officer Matt Heap said the wild weather closed several roads in the region. "We saw wind gusts of up to 98 kilometres an hour, resulting in widespread areas with trees down on roads," he said. "NSW SES crews have been responding overnight to clear fallen trees, with the worst-affected areas around Cowra and Wagga Wagga." The NSW SES received a total of 108 calls for assistance across the state in the past 24 hours, 14 of which were in Cowra. At one stage the Olympic Highway, south-west of Cowra, was closed in both directions due to a fallen wire on the road. While it has now reopened, Mr Heap said it was worth checking the weather and roads before travelling. "We do stress, if you're travelling, particularly with the school holidays beginning, please check live traffic before you leave, allow extra time and steer clear of floodwaters," he said. "More windy and showery conditions are expected across the region today. "Looking ahead into the weekend, the rain should ease with dry and stable weather returning into early next week."