Tens of thousands of residents in New South Wales are without power and at least 200 properties have been affected by flooding as destructive winds and heavy rain batter the state. The emergency services minister has warned that conditions will 'deteriorate even further' overnight.
The Bureau of Meteorology reported that the storm system, which moved from off the coast of Sydney to off the Illawarra coast, could bring wind gusts above 125km/h and heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding. Some areas have already received a month's worth of rain in a single day, with winds exceeding 100km/h.
Transport NSW has advised passengers to avoid non-essential travel across the rail network due to infrastructure damage and fallen trees. Commuters face severe disruption, with delays expected to last for days. Drivers have also been warned to expect delays.
The State Emergency Service (SES) has responded to more than 1,300 calls for assistance in the past 24 hours. Evacuation orders were issued for parts of the Central Coast, including Wamberal and North Entrance, due to dangerous waves and coastal erosion. The SES deputy commissioner described conditions along the east coast as 'very dangerous'.
As of Tuesday evening, approximately 30,000 Ausgrid customers remained without power, with the Central Coast and Hunter region worst affected. Emergency crews are working through the night to restore electricity. The SES has deployed vehicles, helicopters, and personnel to areas likely to be heavily impacted.
The emergency services minister, Jihad Dib, urged residents to prepare for worsening conditions over the next 24 hours, with widespread rainfall totals of 50-150mm expected and isolated falls above 200mm potentially causing flash flooding.
