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
#FRNSW firefighters had to negotiate flooded roads while responding to an alarm in Artarmon this morning. Take care if you’re travelling today and don’t enter floodwater. Like the @NSWSES says – if it’s flooded, forget it! pic.twitter.com/F7TWNTmRKz
— Fire and Rescue NSW (@FRNSW) November 27, 2018
Wind gusts of over 90 km/h have been recorded in parts of Sydney this afternoon, keeping firefighters busy during this severe November storm. #FRNSW crews are working hard with many power lines and trees falling down, like this one in Leichhardt. Please be careful on the roads. pic.twitter.com/X1yoK0AAr9
— Fire and Rescue NSW (@FRNSW) November 28, 2018
UPDATE for #Sydney #Severe thunderstorm and Weather Warnings. Very Heavy rainfall currently falling, with 40mm falling in 30min at Box HIll. Be safe on the roads and follow SES advises at the warning page. https://t.co/u9TQfd6GR7 pic.twitter.com/rFP8lPyPSe
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 27, 2018
#SydneyStorm Sydney cops a dumping this morning. Look at these rainfall totals to 9am, mostly falling in a couple of hours. 106mm at our Observatory Hills weather station in the CBD https://t.co/r5y8pc0fS0 pic.twitter.com/bklsvULe18
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 27, 2018
Flood Summary
Locations
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
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
Macquarie Pass, NSW - November 28 to November 29, 2018
Porters Creek NSW, Australia - November 28 to November 29, 2018
BoM said this is the state's highest 24 hours total.
Damages
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.
Sydney - November 28 to November 29, 2018