New South Wales is struggling to cope with the aftermath of a wild storm that has left thousands of homes without power, hundreds of properties flooded, and transport severely disrupted.
The storm brought gale-force winds and heavy rain, causing widespread damage and chaos across the state.
According to the NSW State Emergency Service, hundreds of homes are flooded or have been evacuated, and thousands of people are without power.
Flood Rescues and Injuries
Emergency crews had a busy night, responding to multiple calls for assistance. They carried out seven flood rescues on the NSW south coast, all caused by people driving into floodwaters.
In one incident, a 55-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious head and torso injuries after a tree fell and crushed his truck in Moss Vale.
Weather Warning: It’s Not Over Yet
Despite the storm starting to ease, authorities are warning that the situation is far from over. NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Debbie Platz said that flash flooding remains a key concern, particularly in the Sydney, Illawarra, and south coast areas.
“There is a lot of debris on the roads. Trees have fallen, powerlines are down. The roads are also very slippery.
There have been multiple car crashes, and we’re asking people to please take care on the roads,” she said.
What to Expect Today
Heavy rainfall will continue, with falls of up to 120mm possible in some areas. Damaging winds will also continue, with gusts of up to 100 km/h possible around the south coast and mid-north coast.
Minor to moderate flooding is also possible in several areas, and authorities are advising people to monitor conditions and follow flood warnings.
Flights Cancelled, Thousands Without Power
There are currently 34 active warnings, including seven emergency warnings.
Over 37,000 homes and businesses are without power, and many flights have been cancelled from Sydney Airport for the second consecutive day.
Transport NSW is advising people to avoid non-essential travel on Sydney and intercity trains, and to be prepared for disruptions to public transport.
Another Low-Pressure System on the Way
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting another low-pressure system to enter the storm’s path later today.
This system is expected to intensify and reinforce some of the winds and rain across the south coast.
This rare weather phenomenon, known as the Fujiwhara effect, is expected to bring more chaos to the already battered state.