But through the windy weather there were stories of community and mateship.

As Darienne Boyd was driving along the highway in South Nowra a massive tree fell across the road, just a metre in front of her car.

Within minutes, 20 strangers had pulled over to help remove the tree.

"Two people with chainsaws, a bloke with a winch on his truck and a bunch of willing branch lifters all just jumped in and got on with the job," Ms Boyd said.

"A few guys came over from Bunnings and a few from the Bed shop.

"It was all off the road and the very heavy southbound traffic moving again within about 15 minutes, even before the emergency services arrived.

"There was a wonderful atmosphere of Aussie mateship and "can-do" attitude and drivers were tooting, clapping and cheering as they drove past.

"Just a great experience all round. Thank you to everyone involved."