Photo special: Rain floods Parramatta during severe Sydney weather

As rain pummelled Parramatta and turned the river into a foaming current and a lake into a waterfall, we captured the wild weather. See the captivating images.

Wild weather lashed Parramatta River where the weir overflowed, rubbish travelled downstream and park benches became submerged as water steadily rose through the day.

At 11am, the water gauge near the Charles Street Wharf had passed the 1.3m mark but had leapt towards 1.5m by 11.40am and was 1.6m before 5pm.

Water gushed down the wharf seating area where benches were swamped from the downpour as the banks collapsed.

Ferry services between Parramatta and Rydalmere have been suspended indefinitely as the inclement weather shows no signs of abating.

Water from the swollen Parramatta River spills over the weir at the Charles Street Wharf. Picture: John Appleyard

The wild weather always attracts observers. Picture: John Appleyard

The dam overflowed at Lake Parramatta, transforming the site into a jaw-dropping cascade.

Parramatta SES deputy controller David Henry said the unit had responded to repair a leaking roof at McDonald St, North Rocks, after a branch hit the roof and broke a tile and

a leaking roof on an industrial unit at Ross St Parramatta.

But it is bracing for severe weather and being extra vigilant around flood zones along the banks of the Parramatta River, A’Beckett St at Granville and Kay St at Rosehill.

Rain inundated the Charles Street Wharf. Picture: John Appleyard

Charles Street Wharf at Parramatta is flooded and ferries are suspended. Picture: Joanne Vella

“At this point in time we’ve been pretty lucky,’’ he said before 1.30pm.

“We’re preparing teams for the worst that hopefully doesn’t eventuate today and into tomorrow but our plan is to have around-the-clock coverage for today and tomorrow.

“One big thing is the fact the roads are starting to get a lot of water and puddles so slow down on the roads.

The flood gauge reaches 1.5m at 11.40am. Picture: John Appleyard

It 1.6m at 4.42pm.

“Maintain distance and speed from other vehicles.’’

Residents requiring sandbags to divert water away from their properties can contact the Parramatta unit via its Facebook page for details on how to collect them.

Volunteers are also on standby to respond to jobs over the next 24 hours while residents are urged to be vigilant.

The top of a park bench is all that's visible in the rising Parramatta River off Phillip St, Parramatta. Picture: John Appleyard

“With the ground being quite wet already falling trees may become an issue especially if we experience high winds,’’ Mr Henry said.

“Please do not park under trees or attempt to use them as shelter if windy for your own safety. Falling trees may also take down powerlines which presents another danger.’’

Residents who see a tree resting on powerlines are urged to stay at least 8m away and contact Endeavour Energy or Ausgrid.

A man walks up the steps leading to Stewart St, Parramatta, after inspecting the banks of the Parramatta River flooding. Picture: Joanne Vella

A tradie braves the rain on Wednesday morning. Picture: Joanne Vella

Parramatta SES in-water operator Thong Phabmixay inspects the Parramatta River’s flood levels and was keen for a dry change of clothes. Picture: Joanne Vella

Constant rain is water off this duck’s back. Picture: Joanne Vella

The banks burst along the Parramatta River, where most points are blocked to the public. Picture: Joanne Vella

The weir transfixes tradies as it overflows. Picture: Joanne Vella

The overflow pipe at Lake Parramatta spills into Hunts Creek in North Parramatta. Picture: John Appleyard

Water rushes over the creek crossing at Hunts Creek at Lake Parramatta. Picture: John Appleyard

Water from the Lake Parramatta overflow pipe rushes into Hunts Creek. Picture: John Appleyard

Sydney copped 200mm of rain on Wednesday. Picture: John Appleyard

The dam turns into a waterfall as Lake Parramatta overflows. Picture: John Appleyard

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