Sydney and parts of New South Wales are bracing for another day of severe thunderstorms and potential flash flooding as relentless storms wreak havoc across the region. On Monday, the city endured overwhelming weather, with reports of up to 80mm of rain falling within just one hour.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) indicated as of today, heightened conditions, including 'heavy to intense rainfall, large hail, and damaging winds,' are on the horizon yet again. Senior meteorologist Angus Hines emphasized, 'Today, we anticipate other parts of New South Wales to see these severe thunderstorms, especially from around 2 o'clock to 8 o'clock this evening.' The forecast remains particularly focused on the eastern regions of the state with Sydney still feeling the effects of the destructive storms.
Hardest hit on Monday was the small town of Harden, located within the South West Slopes where the SES received over 150 calls for assistance, many related to swift water rescues. The storms have resulted not only in flooding but also widespread power outages; reports indicate up to 12,000 residents across New South Wales were left without power.
During the last 24 hours, the SES responded to well over 770 assistance calls statewide, underscoring the storms' impact on the infrastructure and daily life of locals. The situation remains dynamic as additional storms continue to threaten, especially as humid conditions persist with temperatures reaching 28 degrees Celsius. The humid atmosphere creates the perfect storm conditions — quite literally.
SES State Duty Commander Nicola Hogan cautioned, 'Flash flooding can occur suddenly and without warning. If you come across a flooded road, turn around – there is always another way.' This reflects the conditions residents are being advised to navigate carefully.
The storms have been marked by significant hail, with some regions reporting hailstones as large as 6 cm. BOM’s senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury noted, 'Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall... destructive wind gusts could exceed 125 km/h.' She warned about the possibility of 'giant-sized hail' and quick flash flooding caused by intense rainfalls.
Notably, locations near the Sydney metro area have seen numerous incidents of individuals trapped within their vehicles, as waters rapidly rose. Emergency services have been active, rescuing at least 21 people who become stranded. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported during this bout of severe weather.
Even as conditions begin to calm somewhat, the potential for reoccurring thunderstorms still looms. Reports from Sky News Weather meteorologist Ben Sharpe state, "There’s a chance for Sydney and the eastern regions to see another round of storms. Potentially similar conditions to what was experienced yesterday may develop this afternoon." The SES continues to monitor the situation, ready to spring back to action as necessary.
Looking to the immediate future, residents should prepare for additional storms, as predictions suggest rainfall amounts could reach yet again between 30 mm to 80 mm, possibly touching isolated areas with totals nearing 120 mm. Meteorologists have reinforced the idea of ‘stagnant’ weather conditions due to the low-pressure trough, bringing persistent moisture from the ocean over the coastal regions.
This means the storms may not dissipate quickly, with the threat projected to last until at least Wednesday as the low-pressure trough continues its rain-drawing influence across the state.
With widespread urban flooding affecting individuals and businesses alike, tensions rise amid fears of continued storm systems. The SES has reiterated the importance of safety and preparedness, advising families to remain indoors during severe weather events and not to engage with rising floodwaters.
Calls for community preparedness are echoing throughout affected areas, with local authorities encouraging residents to secure properties by clearing gutters of debris and readying emergency kits at home. The SES has communicated, 'Take steps now to prepare. Park vehicles under cover, tie down loose items and check gutters and drains for blockages.'
Residents are urged to stay informed and updated with official channels and alerts from the BoM and SES to navigate these extreme weather conditions safely. The country’s infrastructure is continuously being tested as nature brings its mighty forces to bear on New South Wales.
This week's severe weather reflects yet another chapter underlining the unpredictable climate patterns affecting Australia, associated with rising occurrences of extreme weather events. Residents remain hopeful for clarity and brief respite as storm forecasts indicate some easing may approach mid-next week.