Severe thunderstorms, giant hail and intense rain batter huge parts of NSW

The east coast of Australia is being battered by severe storms, with Sydney's central business district receiving 52mm of rain in just 90 minutes. A shelter-in-place warning has been issued for much of New South Wales, as thunderstorms hit coastal areas and triggered flash flooding in Sydney, causing traffic chaos. This has prompted widespread concern and calls for increased preparedness.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology had previously issued a warning for "unstable" weather that day, forecasting heavy rain and strong winds. Subsequently, thunderstorms swept across New South Wales, bringing large hail, damaging winds, and intense rainfall. Sydney was hit by thunderstorms and heavy rain, leading to flash flooding in the central business district, the inner west, and the eastern suburbs. The severity of the storms exceeded initial expectations, highlighting the unpredictability of weather patterns.

Roads in Strathfield turned into rivers, causing traffic chaos, with parts of Parramatta and the eastern suburbs also affected. Horsley Park in Sydney's west recorded 77.6mm of rain in one hour, while streets in Riverstone, also in the west, were flooded with knee-deep water. Wind speeds at Sydney Airport exceeded 70km/h at the peak of the storm, disrupting transportation and daily routines.

Town Hall station in Sydney's central business district also transformed into a waterfall, causing chaos for lunchtime commuters. The short but intense thunderstorms resulted in some drivers needing to be rescued as roads quickly turned into rivers. Across the Sydney area, rescue crews performed over 22 flood rescues as flash flooding caught drivers off guard, showcasing the immediate danger posed by the sudden downpours.

The New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) stated that they have handled 559 incidents so far, as the storms damaged homes and flooded roads across the state. "If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternate route," said a spokesperson for the NSW SES. "Never drive, walk, or play in floodwater. Flash flooding can occur suddenly and without warning," reinforcing the critical importance of heeding safety advice.

Several major roads, including Wallgrove Road at Cecil Hills, remain closed. Train services on the Sydney Olympic Park line are reduced, and some buses have diverted routes to avoid flooded roads. NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan, State Duty Commander, said crews are still working to respond to storm and flood-related incidents and urged residents across the state to stay safe and heed warnings. The ongoing disruptions emphasize the widespread impact of the severe weather.

"Flash flooding can occur suddenly and without warning. If you come across a flooded road, turn around – there is always another way," Hogan said. "With the potential for more severe weather over the coming days, take steps now to prepare. Park vehicles under cover, secure loose items, and check your house’s gutters and downpipes for blockages." This proactive approach is crucial for mitigating potential damage from future storms.

The severe weather has hit Wollongong, as well as regional areas of New South Wales including Goulburn, Wagga Wagga, Mudgee, and Orange. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology updated its warnings to include the south coast, including Batemans Bay, Eden, Bega, Moruya, and Merimbula. The most severe storms are currently focused on Sydney's southwest and the Blue Mountains region, indicating the widespread geographical impact of the extreme weather event.

The town of Harden, about 125km from Canberra, was hit by a supercell storm with giant hail. Roads in the town turned to slush after the hailstorm at about 9am this morning. Trucks were brought in to clear the ice from the roads. Many buildings in Harden have suffered significant storm damage, including collapsed roofs and broken windows, highlighting the destructive power of the hail.

Councillor Michele Galvin said on Facebook: "Harden has had a huge storm this morning, most shops have had significant water damage, our Post Office has broken windows and is leaking everywhere." Residents of Harden are now facing a significant clean-up effort after the hail and torrential rain hit the area. The SES in Harden has received 136 calls for assistance since 6am this morning, underscoring the urgent need for support and recovery efforts.

Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said the forecast for tomorrow is expected to be slightly calmer, but storms are still possible along the east coast, including some Queensland border towns. "Heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and large hail will still be a risk across the entire eastern seaboard tomorrow," she said. Severe thunderstorms remain possible in parts of western New South Wales, indicating that the threat of severe weather is not yet over.

Scone, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Walgett, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Bourke, and Brewarrina are forecast to experience heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding, large hail, and damaging winds. Residents in these areas are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property from the potential impacts of the severe weather.