Storm sweeps hail, flooding across Sydney

[Gumleaf]

Tuesday Feb 26 19:00 AEDT
By Wade O'Leary
ninemsn


Emergency services are in overdrive tonight after a large storm struck across Sydney, leaving damage and destruction in its wake.

Cars and buildings were struck by large hailstones across the greater Sydney area and the roof of Burwood RSL collapsed under the storm's assault.

100 patrons were evacuated from the club and an employee told ninemsn the staff were at full capacity dealing with the situation.

"Yes, the roof did fall in but I don't have time to talk to you — I've got to talk to the firefighters, there's so much to do," she said.

Traffic came to a standstill as flash-flooding hit Sydney's east and inner-west with streets in Randwick, Moore Park, Stanmore and Leichhardt flooded and cars stranded.

SES crews were forced to push cars out of the flooded intersecton of Driver Ave and Cleveland St near the SCG, while several main streets in the west — including Parramatta Rd, Victoria St, George St and Salisbury St — were also severely affected.

The low-pressure system moved in from the south, striking Wollongong at around 6pm before moving north to the city.

Bilpin was amongst the worst affected, receiving 70mm in only 90 minutes and hail to 3cm.

Forecasters at weatherzone.com.au said the storm peaked at around 6.45pm.

[Atonement]

daaaaaaang. That would suck so bad... I like rain though so I wouldnt complain. But wow, that is soooo much precipatation

[Gumleaf]

luckily it didn't hit us where i live. but there is another storm heading towards northern sydney where i live.

[Gavin]

it's sad when you hear about things like that,i hope that everyone is ok and well

[Bobby]

Eww. I hate storms.

I hope everyone is okay though.

[Gumleaf]

Extreme weather set to continue across Australia
Wednesday Feb 27 17:00 AEDT
By ninemsn staff with AAP


Extreme weather patterns have hit Australia with tropical cyclones, snow and heatwaves this month — but the weirdness is set to continue with an active monsoonal trough over north Queensland and a storm front heading for Sydney this evening.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain lashed Sydney, the NSW south coast and parts of the state's inland last night.

The continuing La Nina pattern has brought above-average rains and cooler temperatures this summer, weather experts say.

But that pattern has been twisted to extremes over eastern Australia, with cyclone activity and flooding over Rockhampton and Mackay in Queensland, as well as a cold front in Tasmania that brought snow on the weekend.

West Australians meanwhile are sweltering under a heatwave that saw temperatures soar over 35 degrees in recent days.

"Thunderstorms are pretty common at this time of the year, but we're seeing all sorts of other things too," the Weather Channel's Dick Whitaker told Today.

"We've got a very active monsoonal trough at the moment over the north which is giving us all that heavy rain, and very clear conditions over in Western Australia, so there's a lot of contrast."

Mr Whitaker said the trough spanning the Northern Territory and northern parts of Queensland would continue to deliver heavy rain, while a low pressure trough heading for Victoria may spawn thunderstorms in coming days.

And the lightning and thunder that hit Sydney and other parts of NSW last night — prompting about 100 requests for assistance from the State Emergency Service — is apparently only a preview for more severe weather this afternoon.

BoM senior forecaster Chris Webb said the predicted storm front could weaken by the time it reached Sydney, but there is a chance it will resemble Tuesday's deluge.

"The Illawarra area, parts of the south coast, also Sydney metropolitan and parts of the Hunter are the prime areas for some severe weather this afternoon," Mr Webb said.

"I think it's a real possibility."