Australia – Flash Floods in Sydney After a Month of Rain in 2 Hours

A series of storms lashed Sydney and nearby regions in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, causing flash floods and wind damage.

Bureau of Meteorology, (BOM) New South Wales said Sydney saw its wettest day since 1984. Sydney Observatory recorded 105.6 mm of rain on 28 November, 2018, most of it within a couple of hours. The city’s monthly average for November is around 104 mm, according to WMO figures. Wind gusts of over 90 km/h were also recorded in parts of Sydney.

Emergency teams responded to more than 500 calls for assistance. NSW State Emergency Service (SES) said they performed 12 flood rescues, 11 of which were vehicles trapped in floods. Images on Social Media showed flooded roads, buildings and train stations.

Fire and Rescue NSW said crews were working hard dealing with downed power lines and falling trees. More than 50 flights were cancelled and public transport services delayed.

Social Media

Flood Summary

Last updated: November 29, 2018
Event
New South Wales, Australia, November 2018
Date
November 28 to November 29, 2018
Type
Flash flood
Cause
Extreme rainfall

Locations

A - Sydney
B - Ulladulla
C - Macquarie Pass
D - Observatory Hill, Sydney NSW - Rainfall level 105.6 mm in 24 hours
E - Macquarie Pass, NSW - Rainfall level 122 mm in 24 hours
F - Porters Creek NSW, Australia - Rainfall level 152 mm in 24 hours

Magnitude

Rainfall level
105.6 mm in 24 hours
Observatory Hill, Sydney NSW - November 28 to November 29, 2018
BoM figures. This is the wettest November day in Sydney since 1984. Macquarie Pass in the Illawarra 122mm, Porters Crk 152mm (near Ulladulla) took the
Rainfall level
122 mm in 24 hours
Macquarie Pass, NSW - November 28 to November 29, 2018
Rainfall level
152 mm in 24 hours
Porters Creek NSW, Australia - November 28 to November 29, 2018
BoM said this is the state's highest 24 hours total.

Damages

Fatalities
2 people
Sydney - November 28 to November 29, 2018
Media reported 2 fatalities as a result of the severe weather, including a car accident in Thornleigh and an SES volunteer who died while out on duty. Two police officers were injured after being hit by a falling tree.
Rescued
12 people
Sydney - November 28 to November 29, 2018