Wild weather not over yet: More flash flooding is coming
While Sydney has already seen over a month’s worth of rain in two hours this morning, the wild weather is not over yet – with more flash flooding, damaging winds and hail expected to wreak havoc on the afternoon commute.
A severe thunderstorm is currently making its way to Sydney from the Hunter region, and a number of train lines are not running on the North Shore, including the T1 line between Gordon and Hornsby.
It was forecast the torrential downpour from early this morning would continue throughout the day, with an expected forecast of rain and thunderstorms up till Wednesday evening.
Sadly, today's wild weather has turned deadly, after one man died in a two-car collision at Thornleigh in Sydney's north shore. Two police officers also suffered injuries today after a tree toppled on top of them at North Ryde.
Early on Wednesday, a severe thunderstorm warning had been issued for those living in central NSW coast from Moruya to Newcastle, including Sydney and Illawarra. Flooding has also taken over parts of the city.
This morning, in the time span of two hours, 90mm of rain fell on Sydney’s weather centre smashing the 67mm November average.
Half of that number fell in 30 minutes, with the wet weather only predicted to get worse as the day continues.
Sydney airport is currently in chaos with only one runway in operation. One passenger described the scene, saying “everything on lockdown, no flights in or out”.
Speaking to news.com.au, Cait Tynan, an airport spokeswoman, advised those flying out today to check with their carriers before making the journey to the airport. “The airlines are the ones that make decisions about delays,” she said.
Other commuters have taken to social media to share their frustrations as many are stuck on flooded roads and blacked out train stations.
A wet commute at Brookvale. Thanks for sharing Brett Downie. #SydneyStorm pic.twitter.com/GLUOqwTdul
— ABC Sydney (@abcsydney) November 27, 2018
A tree has fallen on a car in Leichhardt. #SydneyStorm @ABCemergency pic.twitter.com/1kvscSbZ20
— ABC Sydney (@abcsydney) November 27, 2018
Rain is pouring out of the walls at Woolworths Town Hall. #SydneyStorm pic.twitter.com/XirhFmZ01i
— James Lemon (@jameslemon) November 27, 2018
#sydneystorm currently demonstrating that previously I have over-used the phrase “tipping it down”.
Here’s what it really means:
**actual bucketfuls of water landing around you without gaps in them** pic.twitter.com/h2RbFx3KX5— jonathan jb webb (@jjbw) November 27, 2018
Fire crews are on the scene as they have rescued several people in the past few hours.
Those travelling to work have been advised to “work from home” and remain off the roads as authorities have issued a severe storm warning for Sydney.