A violent summer storm has unleashed chaos across Sydney, with torrential rain transforming streets into raging rivers and triggering landslides, prompting urgent emergency warnings and mass rescues.
Emergency Rescues and Evacuations Underway
The slow-moving but intense weather system hammered coastal New South Wales from late Saturday into Sunday morning, catching many off guard. More than 20 people were rescued from vehicles trapped in rapidly rising floodwaters as conditions deteriorated overnight.
Authorities were forced to evacuate residents living near the overflowing Narrabeen Lagoon on Saturday night as waters began affecting properties. With assistance from Rural Fire Service volunteers, people were moved to higher ground, and an evacuation centre was established at the Mona Vale Memorial Hall.
Landslides, Injuries, and a Tragic Fatality
The storm's impact was severe and wide-ranging. At Great Mackerel Beach, a landslide damaged three properties, leaving at least one woman injured. The emergency services were inundated with hundreds of calls for help across the city as roads were swamped and motorists stranded.
In a separate, tragic incident linked to the wild weather, a woman died on Saturday afternoon in the Southern Highlands. Her car was struck by a falling tree branch on the Illawarra Highway at Macquarie Pass, south of Wollongong. A male front-seat passenger sustained minor injuries, while two rear-seat passengers escaped physical harm.
Severe Warnings and Disrupted Travel
The Bureau of Meteorology issued ongoing warnings for heavy rainfall across parts of Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Senior meteorologist Edward Townsend-Medlock stated that severe thunderstorms capable of producing flash flooding were detected near the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Manly, Wisemans Ferry, and Riverstone.
He indicated that while the trough was expected to weaken by Sunday afternoon, wet and cloudy conditions would persist. The disruption extended to air travel, with flights delayed at Sydney Airport due to heavy rain and a ground stop for an aircraft requiring a priority landing.
Further warnings remain for hazardous surf on the coast from Newcastle to Batemans Bay and Eden, with more than 20 beaches closed. Authorities continue to urge the public to stay indoors, avoid all flooded roads, and heed emergency alerts as the severe weather gradually eases.
