Sydney weather forecast: ‘Severe’ storms expected to bring flooding, hail and high winds
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Sydney, with flash flooding fears after the city has copped a soaking.
NSW
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Thousands of Sydneysiders are without power and several have been plucked from floodwaters after a severe thunderstorm barrelled through the heart of the harbour city on Monday.
Lightning strikes on Monday afternoon left thousands of people without power.
According to Ausgrid, almost 4,000 customers are without power in Freshwater, Curl Curl, North Manly, Brookvale, Bexley, Kingsgrove and Hurstville. The unplanned outage began around 3pm.
It is estimated the power will be restored to those areas by 5.30pm.
Earlier on Monday, a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Sydney, as the city faces days of wet weather.
The Bureau of Meteorology estimated there were around 3000 lightning strikes between 2:30pm and 3:30pm on Monday.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning on Monday afternoon, of a “a thunderstorm likely to produce HEAVY RAINFALL that may lead to flash flooding is moving over the city and eastern suburbs”.
While the storm has seemingly eased up, the NSW Bureau of Meteorology warned Monday marks what could be the start to a wet week.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, meteorologist Christie Johnson said wet weather could last until at least Friday.
“We are expecting this thunderstorm outbreak to last until the end of the week,” Mrs Johnson said.
“The risk is lowered for this evening and Tuesday, but there are more storms potentially coming on Wednesday and will last till Friday.”
Mrs Johnson said in just half an hour, Allambie on the Northern Beaches copped 30ml, while Marrickville in the Inner West received 27ml. Lake Illawarra had 18ml fall in just 10 minutes.
The NSW SES has issued a warning for certain parts of Sydney.
“NSW SES advises residents in Gosford, Sydney, Penrith, Parramatta, Campbelltown & Taralga to MONITOR CONDITIONS for forecast HEAVY RAIN. Avoid unnecessary travel, secure outdoor items, and have your emergency kit ready,” it tweeted.
Sky News Australia meteorologist Alison Osborne said a high pressure system over the Tasman Sea and a trough across the inland east combined forces on Monday, causing severe storms across Sydney and parts of NSW.
“Meanwhile, a frontal system crossing the southeast will help to create the perfect environment for showers and thunderstorms to develop across much of New South Wales,” Ms Osborne said.
Good storm hitting Sydney pic.twitter.com/UAm1eh7MUN
— AJP (@pricey43) October 14, 2024
A NSW Fire and Rescue spokesman said they had received a few calls for assistance but “nothing out of the ordinary.”
“There are some reports of tree branches falling, but lots of little nuisance jobs.”
The SES are currently attending to 34 jobs around Sydney, with three active flood rescues taking place in Sydney’s Inner West.
“There are three active flood rescues in Strathfield, Croydon and Homebush,” a NSW SES spokesman confirmed to The Daily Telegraph.
“Majority of our call outs are storm related situations, but most have been routine.”
In conjunction with the Bureau of Meteorology, the SES have confirmed the storm has temporarily eased, but the redevelopment of severe weather remains a possibility.
A video sent to The Telegraph shows a section of Parramatta Rd in Camperdown is currently flooded.
The footpath outside of Sydney University is underwater, with water from the road flowing heavily onto the side of the street.
A large black storm cell is also hovering over Caringbah South.
Sutherland Shire resident Taine, has described the cell as “very disturbing” and said others in the area felt the same.
“We’ve had heavy rainfall from around 3pm this afternoon,” Taine said.
“No damage to the property, just a downpour of rain at once.”
More to come
Originally published as Sydney weather forecast: ‘Severe’ storms expected to bring flooding, hail and high winds
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