Parts of Sydney are facing major flooding risks as a severe storm brings intense rainfall to the eastern coast of Australia. An inland low-pressure system and a coastal trough are combining to deliver heavy localised downpours across New South Wales.
On Friday, Sydney recorded its highest daily rainfall in two years, with 111mm of rain in 24 hours. The city is expected to exceed its average April rainfall by the weekend.
Weatherzone meteorologist Angus Konta predicts the heaviest rain will fall overnight, from midnight to around 7-8 am. Authorities have warned that 24-hour rainfall totals could exceed 200mm in Sydney and along the south coast, with up to 300mm possible on the Illawarra escarpment near Wollongong.
Major flooding is anticipated along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River starting late Friday, with Penrith potentially receiving up to one-and-a-half times the April average rainfall in a single day.
Authorities warn of possible 300mm rain on Illawarra escarpment, impacting travel and local schools.Transport for NSW has urged drivers to avoid non-essential travel, and the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has advised coastal communities from Sydney to Goulburn to stay indoors.
The SES has conducted seven flood rescues overnight, mostly involving vehicles, and has responded to over 550 incidents statewide in the past 24 hours, focusing on issues like leaking roofs and gutters.
Meanwhile, 92 flights have been cancelled or delayed at Sydney Airport, and the city’s train network is facing widespread delays. Nine schools across NSW, including six in the north-east, have closed due to the weather.
Flood warnings are in effect for nearly all rivers in eastern NSW and southern Queensland. The SES is preparing for further flash flooding and riverine rises.
The storm has already claimed a life in Queensland, and a wildlife sanctuary in northern NSW has had to relocate animals due to flooding.
The severe weather is expected to shift south overnight and ease by Saturday as the system moves towards the Tasman Sea. However, persistent rain over the weekend may cause Warragamba Dam, Sydney’s main water supply, to overflow.