Wild Weather Wreaks Havoc: NSW and Victoria ‘Absolutely Battered’ by Furious Storms and Record-Breaking Heat
- Parts of NSW and Victoria were pummeled by fierce storms overnight, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in their wake.
- Over 250 calls were made to the NSW State Emergency Service, with Sutherland, Hornsby, and Parramatta among the hardest-hit areas.
- Temperature records were shattered in Western Sydney, with Penrith and Bankstown sweltering through near-40 degree Celsius heat.
Australia’s eastern states were battered by a fierce storm system overnight, bringing with it powerful winds and record-breaking heat. The NSW State Emergency Service was inundated with calls for help, with over 250 requests for assistance pouring in from across the state.
“Conditions have now eased, but SES volunteers are out today to clean up their communities,” said Adam Williams, Intelligence and warnings officer at the NSW State Emergency Service. “If you see any downed powerlines, stay well clear – it’s not worth the risk.”
Senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, Angus Hines, described the weather as “absolutely battering” parts of the country, particularly Victoria’s mountains, Warrnambool, and Melbourne’s CBD. “We did see some records getting set – 37 degrees was the top in the city, but if we look at the greater metro area, the highest temperature we recorded yesterday was 39.8 degrees at Bankstown in the south-west,” he said.
The wild weather was not limited to Victoria, with parts of NSW also experiencing extreme conditions. Western Sydney was particularly hard hit, with Penrith and Bankstown sweltering through near-40 degree Celsius heat. “We’re not out of the woods yet, though – high to extreme fire dangers are expected to return to parts of the state on Sunday,” warned Mr Hines.
The storm damage was widespread, with fallen trees, branches, and roof damage reported across the state. SES units in Sutherland, Hornsby, and Parramatta were among the busiest, as volunteers worked tirelessly to respond to calls for help.
As the clean-up efforts continue, residents are being warned to exercise caution when dealing with storm damage. “Cleaning up after severe weather can be exhausting and stressful – it’s essential to wait for the all-clear before you begin, wear protective gear, and stay safe by listening to local authorities,” said Mr Williams.