Sydney floods: Two dead as worst rain event in 44 years lashes the city
Image: Nine News – Jo Abi
“Slow down or stay home”, that’s the message from NSW Police as Sydney is hit by torrential rain, flooding and damaging winds.
Tragically, two people have already died.
An SES volunteer died after collapsing while assisting during the wild weather while another person died following a two-vehicle crash at Thornleigh.
Emergency crews and firefighters have performed more than a dozen floodwater rescues and have received more than 1100 calls for help.
210 volunteers are out and about in Sydney with Commissioner Mark Smethurst telling Chris Smith they’ve already responded to 875 jobs.
Click PLAY below for the update
The second phase of this rain event is now beginning to spin up over parts of #NSW. Storms & intense rain are are starting to return to areas incl #Sydney #Newcastle & #Wollongong. This system has already proved to be dangerous so commuters check warnings https://t.co/Ayc0ffpmyI pic.twitter.com/OjYyHPwtYY
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 28, 2018
Weather bureau meteorologist Ellie Blandford tells Ross Greenwood significant “shower activity” is expected through Sydney this evening.
She says there is also a high chance of isolated thunderstorm activity, but we can expect the rain and the winds to ease later tonight and into Thursday morning.
Click PLAY below to the full update
#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
Two police officers have been injured while assisting motorists trapped in floodwaters on Pittwater Road at North Ryde.
Officers were clearing the road when a tree fell on them and a vehicle.
A female Probationary Constable suffered serious injuries, including a suspected broken leg.
Her partner is being assessed for a possible concussion.
New South Wales Ambulance Acting Superintendent Steve Vaughan tells Ben Fordham it’s been a “very busy day” for paramedics.
He says they’ve attended 71 motor vehicle crashes between 6am and 4pm this afternoon, with 12 people taken to hospital.
Click PLAY below for hear from Acting Superintendent Steve Vaughan
The weather has impacted more than just our roads, with Sydney Airport ceasing all operations briefly.
Many domestic and international flights cancelled.
⚠ ⛈ Due to adverse weather conditions today, we expect that International and Domestic terminals will experience some flight delays and cancellations. Please contact your airline for more information.
— Sydney Airport ✈️ (@SydneyAirport) November 27, 2018
Rainfall has reached drought-affected areas across the state that need water the most.
Agriculture climatologist Anthony Clark tells Chris Smith high rainfall has been recorded in parts of the Hunter as well as in the northern, central and southern tablelands.
He says falls of this magnitude can be a “two-edged sword” and can cause emergency issues with livestock.
Click PLAY below to hear about the rainfall in drought-ravaged NSW
See photos of the flooding
Image: Stuart - Young St at Neutral Bay
Image: Ally - Macquarie Pass
Image: Craig - Service NSW Centre on Lord St at Botany