Torrential rain causes chaos for travellers to Sydney, with dozens of flights cancelled

Backed-up flights to Sydney are starting to clear at Melbourne Airport after torrential rain in the harbourside city cancelled dozens of flights today. But there are still delays and cancellations. Get the latest.

Torrential rain in Sydney has cancelled dozens of flights out of Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport.

More than a month’s worth of rain was dumped on Sydney within a few hours this morning, making it the city’s worst November storm in decades.

Dozens of flights from Melbourne to Sydney have been cancelled today.

ROADS, AIRPORT SHUT AS WILD WEATHER LASHES SYDNEY

A Melbourne Airport spokeswoman said the backed-up flights were starting to clear this evening, after Sydney Airport opened a second runway about 4.30pm.

But it is unclear how long it will take for operations to return to normal, and passengers are being urged to check their flight status with airlines.

“There are still some delays and cancellations because of the issue in the morning,” the spokeswoman told the Herald Sun.

#SydneyStorm Sydney cops a dumping this morning. Look at these rainfall totals to 9am, mostly falling in a couple of hours. 106mm at our Observatory Hills weather station in the CBD https://t.co/r5y8pc0fS0 pic.twitter.com/bklsvULe18

— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 27, 2018

Today's wild weather has left passengers at Sydney airport stranded...
extensive delays expected throughout the day. @Zara_James9 #9News pic.twitter.com/0DkDvN1qRr

— Nine News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) November 28, 2018

What a difference one flight makes - I’m one of the lucky ones who managed to take off #sydneystorm #lucky #BeSafeOutThere pic.twitter.com/coaspLenua

— Judith Whelan (@whelan60) November 27, 2018

Flooding in the Sydney suburb of Alexandria. Picture: Supplied.

Commuters struggle against torrential rain and gale force winds in Lewisham in Sydney’s inner-west. Picture: Nicholas Eagar

Heavy rain causing chaos at Sydney Airport. Picture: Channel 9 News

Looks like Woolies has copped a flooding this morning #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/1XpTALrZdm

— Cat (@CatCranston) November 27, 2018

Ahhh good old Lewisham train station, enjoying a bit of flooding.. #sydneystorm #sydneyweather pic.twitter.com/OETLrLh6XE

— SilverPepper (@SilverPeppa) November 27, 2018

Seriously thought I was going to get swept away. Couldn’t go forward or back. Quite frightening. #SydneyStorm #Mosman pic.twitter.com/n93udxSlaM

— Cate (@k8tcameron) November 27, 2018

Sydney Airport remained open but about 130 domestic and four international flights have been cancelled.

“The airlines are the ones that make decisions about delays,” airport spokeswoman Cait Tynan said earlier.

Was a rough morning at Sydney airport with all the heavies landing on one runway #Sydneystorms #sydneystorm #sydneyairport pic.twitter.com/SLMcIywpv1

— Adem Yaglipinar (@AdemYaglipinar) November 28, 2018

Sydney’s average November rainfall is 84mm but many locations recorded more than that within hours this morning, with the weather not letting up.

The storm accompanied by damaging winds has caused thousands of properties to lose power, and chaos for drivers and public transport.

The state’s SES said 12 people had to be rescued from floodwaters.

One person is dead after a crash, while two police officers have been injured while helping with a rescue.

The heavy rain is expected to ease tonight but the damaging winds could remain until Thursday.

For live coverage, check The Daily Telegraph.

With AAP

Council workers clear a drain as a car drives through floodwaters in Lewisham. Picture: (AAP Image/Dean Lewins