Thousands without power as supercell storm wreaks havoc

The clean-up continues from last night’s intense thunderstorms, which caused flash flooding, brought trees down, ripped rooftops of buildings and cut power to more than 40,000 properties. SEE THE DRAMATIC PICTURES AND VIDEOS

The clean-up continues from last night’s intense thunderstorms, which caused flash flooding, brought trees down, ripped rooftops of buildings and cut power to up to 40,000 properties — with thousands still left without power.

Nine people were rescued from floodwaters after the storms spread across Sydney and the Illawarra and the Hunter regions.

The storm devastated this family’s home in Eleanor St, Rosehill.

Classroom roof from North Parramatta school lays across power lines today. Picture: Adam Yip

Endeavour Energy emergency crews were working to safely restore power to 5700 customers earlier today, after restoring power to 23,000 overnight.

By 5pm, only 2500 premises were without power.

“There are nearly 400 electrical hazards needing repairs particularly where trees and large branches have fallen across power lines,” a spokesman said.

In the city’s north and east, some 15,000 properties on Ausgrid’s network went dark but was later restored.

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Flash flooding in Parramatta and other parts of western Sydney turned intersections to lakes and led several drivers to ask for SES help to get them out of their cars.

The SES responded to 762 calls for help on Friday night, with Parramatta the worst hit area in Sydney, with 200 of the 762 requests from that suburb alone.

Two schools in that area suffered major roof damage.

Michael, 33, a builder from Eleanor St, Rosehill, said his neighbour’s house was destroyed when a piece of a roof from their corner shop “speared through the house”.

The roof flew off a corner shop on Eleanor St, Rosehill.

The destroyed house on Eleanor St, Rosehill.

“The strong winds blew the roof off the corner shop and has come six houses up. It’s missed all the other houses,” Michael, who did not wish to reveal his surname, said.

The damage includes part of the roof missing, water damage inside and through the air ducts, flooded workshop full of work tools and a curve in a wall.

Cars semi-submerged in floodwaters at Colman St, Merrylands after heavy rain. Picture: TNV

More cars run into trouble in the quickly-rising water on Colman St, Merrylands. Picture: TNV

Tropfest organisers have had to find a different location for the short film festival tonight at the eleventh hour after a stage and screens were damaged in the deluge.

Guildford copped 61 millimetres of rain, including 47mm in just 30 minutes while Sydney Olympic Park received 40mm in the 40 minutes to 7pm.

A P-Plate becomes stranded by the deep water on Woodville Rd, Granville. Picture: TNV

A P-Plate driver and his passenger had to be rescued from his car by emergency crews after they tried to drive through deep water on Colman St in Merrylands.

During the height of the storm, a P-plate driver and his passenger had to be rescued from his car by emergency crews after they tried to drive through deep water on Colman St in Merrylands.

Several other vehicles were filmed floating through the streets as the severe storm swept across Sydney.

Lightning over Sydney as the storm approaches Sydney from the south. Picture: Richard Dobson

Sky News Weather channel meteorologist Rob Sharpe said the storm supercell came from the Central Ranges and could continue to cause wild weather into the weekend.

“A cool change will sweep up the southeast on Saturday bringing showers and dropping temperatures remarkably. A southerly buster will likely to push through Sydney in the evening,” said Mr Sharpe.

The storms will move north along the coastline towards the end of the weekend.

The lightning strikes caused delays to the AFLW clash between GWS and North Melbourne at Drummoyne Oval last night.

Amanda Farrugia is tackled by Emma Humphries. Picture: AAP

The match was delayed by 40 minutes due to lightning strikes and the field started flooding.

Eventually the game got underway with the Kangaroos making a strong start with two goals to one in the first quarter.

A Porsche car is crushed by fallen branches on Buller St, North Parramatta. Picture: David Meddows

The SES work to move the tree branches off the Porsche and road. Picture: David Meddows

At the height of the storm’s intensity in North Parramatta strong winds tore down heavy branches which crushed a luxury Porsche.

The owner turned up at the scene to find his precious ride trapped by the branches as SES crews worked to cut it free.

A man is rescued from his P-plated car on Woodville Rd, Granville. Picture: TNV

The chaotic scene on Colman St, Merrylands. Picture: TNV