Warning as severe storms hit Sydney

Sydneysiders were put on high alert over three severe storm cells headed their way, with residents advised to unplug their appliances and prepare for hail.

Three major storm cells have merged into a squall line, bringing dangerous conditions of heavy rain, damaging winds and hail to large parts of Sydney.

At about 2.15pm, the Bureau of Meteorology warned Sydneysiders to brace for severe thunderstorms after three storm cells were detected in Wollongong, Campbelltown and Riverstone.

A view of the north shore and the heads at Watsons Bay as storms hit Sydney again on Wednesday. Photo by: NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard

All the #storm cells have merged into one #squall line, with ap updated Detailed #SevereThunderstormWarning map reflecting this. Expect some #squally winds and possibly some #hail as the line passes overhead. Here's the latest #warning details: https://t.co/WGQb8BKccopic.twitter.com/Djb4OrLr2R

— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) December 27, 2023

Shortly after, the weather authority put out a second release stating the cells had merged into a squall line, with the severe thunderstorms to hit Hornsby, Parramatta, Sutherland, Sydney Airport and Sydney Olympic Park by 2.50pm.

The storms will then lash Sydney City, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Mona Vale and waters off Bondi Beach by 3.20pm.

Residents are urged to move their cars under cover and away from trees and secure any loose outdoor furnishings. They should also unplug computers and appliances and avoid using their phones during the storm.

People ran for cover in Circular Quay in Sydney, as the metropolitan area and other parts of the state were battered with another storm. Photo by: NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard

The latest storm lashed Sydney. Photo by: NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard

Sydneysiders told to avoid popular beaches

Earlier on Wednesday, popular Sydney swimming holes, beaches and baths received water pollution warnings following the recent storm activity that has impacted much of the east coast.

Twenty-eight swimming spots have been listed as not suitable for swimming due to the water quality, with another six popular beaches and baths listed as places with possible pollution.

Flash flooding has been seen around large parts of Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Nicholas Eagar

The storm activity in recent days has led to flash flooding, power outages and emergency rescues, with more wild weather tipped to come.

As the weather does clear, many people are expected to hit local swimming spots to make up for the time missed on the water, but authorities are warning of pollution and asking people to keep an eye out before taking a dip.

“Most estuarine and harbour swim sites in the Sydney region continue to be impacted by stormwater pollution,” the NSW government’s Beachwatch said.

“Check for signs of pollution such as discolouration, flowing drains, floating debris and odours before swimming.”

These are the 28 spots people are being told to avoid:

• Boat Harbour
• Brighton Le Sands Baths
• Cabarita Beach
• Carrs Point Baths
• Chiswick Baths
• Congwong Bay
• Davidson Reserve
• Dawn Fraser Pool
• Dolls Point Baths
• Foreshores Beach

People are being told to avoid Frenchmans Bay due to water pollution.

• Frenchmans Bay
• Gunnamatta Bay Baths
• Gymea Bay Baths
• Horderns Beach
• Jew Fish Bay Baths
• Kyeemagh Baths
• Lilli Pilli Baths
• Monterey Baths
• Murray Rose Pool
• Oatley Bay Baths
• Parsley Bay
• Ramsgate Baths
• Rose Bay Beach
• Sandringham Baths
• Silver Beach
• Tambourine Bay
• Woolwich Baths
• Yarra Bay

Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain is another area people are being warned to avoid. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

These are the six spots where a possible pollution warning is in place. Beachwatch suggests children, the elderly and those with compromised health face an increased risk by swimming here:

• Bronte Beach
• Como Baths
• Hayes Street Beach
• Little Bay Beach
• Malabar Beach
• Tamarama Beach

For more information and updates over the coming days head to beachwatch.nsw.gov.au.