Key Takeaways
- Emergency warnings are in place for parts of Sydney due to flash flooding and thunderstorms
- The storm has caused significant damage and disruption, with over 1400 incidents reported across New South Wales
- Residents are urged to avoid driving through floodwater and to stay away from creeks and storm drains
- Several roads and transport services have been impacted, including bus and train services
- The weather is expected to continue to be poor, with heavy winds and hailstones predicted
Introduction to the Storm
The city of Sydney has been hit with severe thunderstorms and flash flooding, with emergency warnings in place for parts of the city. The storm, which moved westward from the coastline, swept over the city’s south and west at around 5:30am, causing significant damage and disruption. The areas of south-west Sydney and the Blue Mountains were particularly hard hit, with around 68mm of rain recorded at Liverpool in the Georges River from midnight to 5:15am. This intense rainfall has led to flash flooding, with residents in the Narrabeen Lagoon area being urged to leave their homes due to localized flooding.
Impact of the Storm
The storm has had a significant impact on the city, with over 1400 incidents reported across New South Wales. The State Emergency Service (SES) has responded to thousands of calls, including 743 in the Sydney area. The weather has also wreaked havoc with the state’s roads and transport, with several closures in place. Buses are replacing trains between Hornsby and Gosford due to flooding on the tracks, whilst bus and light rail services in Sydney have also been impacted. Several roads are closed across Sydney, including Wakehurst Parkway between North Narrabeen and Oxford Falls, and Joadja Road in Preston’s in Sydney’s south-west. The SES is urging drivers to take extreme care on roads around the state today due to the already wet weather and risk of flash flooding.
Safety Precautions
Residents in areas that may be impacted by floods are being urged to avoid creeks and storm drains, and to not drive through flood water in any circumstances. SES State Duty Commander Sonya Oyston emphasized the importance of taking safety precautions, stating "We’re asking the community to remain patient, and make safe, sensible decisions to never drive into flooded roads." The risk of flash flooding could last for several hours, with heavy winds and hailstones also expected from the storms. It is essential for residents to stay informed and follow the instructions of emergency services to ensure their safety.
Previous Weather Events
The current storm continues a wild weekend of weather for Sydney, with the Central Coast and Wollongong being lashed with hundreds of millimeters of rain in the last 48 hours. The SES responded to thousands of incidents in Sydney and across New South Wales last night, with conditions expected to be poor today. Unfortunately, the weather has also resulted in a fatality, with a woman killed in the Southern Highlands yesterday afternoon when the car she was traveling in was struck by a tree branch. The incident highlights the importance of taking the weather seriously and taking necessary precautions to stay safe.
Ongoing Response
The SES is continuing to respond to incidents across the state, with thousands of calls being made to the service. The organization is urging residents to report any incidents or concerns to them, and to stay informed through official channels. The weather is expected to continue to be poor, with heavy winds and hailstones predicted. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless necessary. The SES is working closely with other emergency services to ensure a coordinated response to the storm, and to minimize the impact on the community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the severe thunderstorms and flash flooding have had a significant impact on Sydney, with emergency warnings in place for parts of the city. The storm has caused significant damage and disruption, with over 1400 incidents reported across New South Wales. Residents are urged to take safety precautions, including avoiding driving through floodwater and staying away from creeks and storm drains. The SES is continuing to respond to incidents across the state, and residents are advised to stay informed and follow the instructions of emergency services to ensure their safety. The weather is expected to continue to be poor, with heavy winds and hailstones predicted, and residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless necessary.
