Wild weather: Sydney drivers told to stay off the road
Sydney is recovering from a major storm this morning, which has caused chaos in most parts of the city. The downpour is the largest November storm in decades. HERE ARE THE AREAS TO AVOID.
Commuters have been warned delay all non-essential road travel as Sydney is soaked by a massive thunderstorm.
Among the chaos, was two police officers, who were injured while trying to help motorists on a flooded road in North Ryde.
One person has also been killed in a two-vehicle crash on The Esplanade in Thornleigh in a separate crash.
The NRMA has warned drivers that roads are already dangerous and to pull over and wait for the rain to ease.
“Delay non-essential travel, but if you must drive, lights on and drive to conditions,” the NRMA said.
Adding to problems caused by the rain, authorities were forced to close the Sydney Harbour Tunnel’s city-bound lanes after an over-height vehicle became stuck, causing lengthy delays during the morning commute.
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Businesses have been warned to expect workers to arrive late today and drivers told to stay off the roads if possible as a low-pressure system reaches the coast around Sydney, the Hunter and the Illawarra.
Bureau of Meteorology severe weather manager Simon Louis said the rain wasn’t expected to last long but “quite intense” falls would develop in the morning and persist through the afternoon.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy has urged motorists to be aware of the weather and road conditions.
“The conditions we are experiencing today are some of the worst I’ve ever seen, and I am appealing to everyone, motorists and pedestrians alike, to take care and get to their destination safely,” he said.
“Once again we are asking all road users to reconsider the need to be on the roads throughout what will be a severe rain event today.”
The downpour is the largest November storm in 44 years in Sydney.
THE ROADS TO AVOID NOW:
● CARNES HILL: Take care northbound on Cowpasture Rd due to a multi-vehicle crash at Kurrajong Rd. Allow extra travel time.
● OTFORD (ROYAL NATIONAL PARK): Take care on Lady Wakehurst Dr due to a fallen tree near Otford Rd. Allow extra travel time.
● BELROSE: Flooding is affecting eastbound traffic on Mona Vale Rd at Forest Rd and northbound traffic on Forest Way at Morgan Rd. Exercise caution.
● ROZELLE: Eastbound traffic on The Crescent approaching James Craig Rd is being affected by flooding. Exercise caution.
● CAMMERAY: Warringah Fwy northbound off-ramp to Miller St is closed due to flooding and a breakdown.
● THORNLEIGH: All northbound lanes have reopened on Pennant Hills Rd at Nelson St after earlier flooding.
● OXFORD FALLS: Oxford Falls Rd is closed between Wakehurst Parkway and Avoona Rd due to flooding.
● NORTH RYDE: 2 of 3 southbound lanes are closed on Lane Cove Rd at Ford St due to flooding.
● HORNSBY HEIGHTS: An oversize vehicle has been cleared and is no longer affecting traffic in both directions on Galston Rd at Galston Gorge.
● STRATHFIELD: 1 of 2 southbound lanes is closed due to this crash and traffic is heavy.
● DRUMMOYNE: 1 of 3 eastbound lanes is closed on Victoria Rd near Westbourne St due to a car breakdown. Expect delays.
● CASTLE COVE: Eastern Valley Way is closed in both directions at Boundary St due to a fallen tree and wires. Use Boundary St, Pacific Hwy and Gore Hill Fwy instead.
● FRENCHS FOREST: Traffic is heavy on Forest Way at Naree Rd due to a crash. Allow extra travel time.
● CASTLE COVE: Eastern Valley Way is closed northbound at Boundary St due to a fallen tree and wires. Traffic is being diverted into Smith St.
SYDNEY’S WEATHER FORECAST
Today 22C. Rain, wind.
Thursday 22C. Clearing showers, wind.
Friday 23C. Mostly fine.
Saturday 25C. Sunny.
Sunday 32C. Sunny
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
● Ferries are not running between Parramatta and Olympic Park
● The light rail between Central and Dulwich Hill is shut
● Regional trains heading both north and south are heavily delayed, with a tree caught in overhead wiring at Cowan on the Central Coast
● The Bankstown train line has reopened between Sydenham and Campsie after previously closing due to flooding at Marrickville
● There are delays on the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra line in both directions, as well as on the Airport and South and Carlingford lines
● Earlier major delays on the North Shore and Western lines have eased
● Lewisham station has reopened after flooding
● Pymble, Wollstonecraft, West Ryde and Eastwood train stations are difficult to access due to flooding
● Bus networks across the city are significantly delayed
BLACKOUTS
Almost 5000 properties are without power across Sydney’s north.
Two separate outages — one across East Ryde, North Ryde and Marsfield, and the other in St Ives and Turramurra — are affecting 4600 properties.
DROUGHT AREAS
Drought stricken Dubbo and surrounding areas received up to 30mm of rain and wild thunderstorms overnight, but it’s not enough to break the dire dry circumstances farmers are facing.
SAFETY TIPS FOR TODAY
● Be aware of road conditions in your area and plan your trip accordingly. Check livetraffic.com, bom.gov.au, and ses.nsw.gov.au for the latest information.
● Remember to give way at intersections where lights are out and proceed with extra caution.
● Leave greater breaking distances between you and the car in front because it takes longer to stop when its wet.
● Drivers and motorcycle riders should use their headlights in heavy rain to be seen by other road users.
● Motorists should never attempt to drive through floodwaters or cross flooded causeways.
● Pedestrians should wear bright or high-vis clothing and use crossings at controlled intersections.
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