Severe storms affect western sydney - NSW SES

A series of severe thunderstorms moved through the western parts of the Illawarra and western Sydney late yesterday with heavy rain and large hail reported.

The heavy rainfall also caused issues along the Hume Hwy at Belanglo and Sutton Forest where a number of Flood Rescues were activated and attended to by the NSW SES Wingecarribee Unit. Additional flood rescues from vehicles in flash floodwater were undertaken in western Sydney.

Heavy rain and hail was also experienced in parts of western Sydney and storm cells moved through the St Clair and Richmond areas, with golf ball sized hail reported at St Clair. There was 32 mm of rain reported in 30 minutes at North Richmond and 20 mm reported in 10 minutes at Erskine Park. A number of Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (STW’s) and Detailed STW’s were issued for these storms. NSW SES was called to provide assistance with evacuation of patients at Katoomba Hospital due to a leaking roof and flooding. There was also damage to the sports centre in Katoomba, and 175 requests for assistance were received, with damage mainly related to leaking roofs and trees down with the worst affected area far western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Most requests for emergency help were completed overnight with 49 remaining outstanding. NSW SES personnel will be in the field this morning to complete the remaining requests and any others that are reported today.

Members of the community who require emergency assistance should call the NSW SES on 132 500, or 000 if it is life-threatening emergency.

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