Sydney Reels from Flash Flooding and Power Outages

Intense rainfall and flash flooding caused significant disruption across Sydney, leading to dozens of rescues and thousands of power outages. Crews worked overnight to restore services, primarily impacting suburbs in the north-west (Dural, Sackville, Glenwood) and south (Arncliffe, Banksia, Rockdale).

Emergency Response and Assistance Calls

The State Emergency Service (SES) reported 40 flood rescues within a three-hour period and over 490 calls for assistance since the rainfall began.

An SES spokesperson noted the unpredictability of the thunderstorms and the high volume of rain in a short period, which affected drivers during their evening commute.

Heavy Rainfall Totals and Major Road Closures

Rainfall totals were significant, with over 104 millimeters recorded in Lidcombe within three hours, 69mm in Canterbury, and approximately 67mm at Bankstown Airport.

The sudden deluge led to major road closures in the inner west, including City West Link at Haberfield, Parramatta Road at Homebush, and Raw Square at Strathfield, causing widespread traffic congestion.

Western Sydney Hit Hard, Homes Evacuated

Western Sydney was heavily affected, with about a dozen homes evacuated in Fairfield due to flooding.

Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone highlighted the role of local infrastructure, stating that parks, designed as detention basins, were filling to hold floodwater. This measure helps protect homes and prevents the drainage network from being overwhelmed.

Outlook Improves as Warnings Lifted

Conditions are expected to ease, and the Bureau of Meteorology has canceled its severe weather warning.