Sydney faced a deluge of 52mm of rain in just 90 minutes today as a severe storm system swept through, resulting in widespread flash flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology had previously warned of challenging weather conditions, forecasting thunderstorms along with massive hail and destructive winds.
Several regions in New South Wales (NSW) received urgent advisories to remain indoors, as the storm wreaked havoc across the metropolitan area. Notably, locations like Strathfield, Parramatta, and the eastern suburbs experienced severe flooding, rendering roads impassable and affecting emergency services. In western Sydney’s Horsley Park, almost 78mm of rain fell within an hour.
Rescue operations were underway for stranded motorists, while the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) responded to over 550 incidents statewide. Commuter transport faced disruptions, with reduced train services and diverted bus routes due to flooded roads.
Residents are urged to avoid floodwaters and stay updated on alerts, as forecasts indicate further severe weather in the coming days, including potential flooding and hail across various NSW regions. With many homes sustaining damage, local authorities are focusing on cleanup efforts, particularly in areas heavily affected like Harden, where extensive damage was reported.