Dam levels rising thanks to rain
Sydney's dam levels are on the rise after the wild thunderstorms, with high rainfall recorded at both Warragamba and Nepean.
A WaterNSW spokesman said while they will have a better idea on the change in dam levels in the afternoon, they are confident about what they have seen so far.
“Based on the falls we have experienced so far, we are really optimistic about what those inflows to the dams will translate to,” he said.
Storm damage so far
For those of you just joining, here's a bit of a recap of what's happened so far today.
- One person has died and two police officers have been injured in separate flood-related incidents around Sydney
- Sydney has copped more than 118 millimetres of rain since 5.20am, with more expected this afternoon
- The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast severe thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds in the next several hours
- A number of roads have been flooded as well as some homes, and a school on the south coast has been damaged by the storm
- Flood warnings have been issued for the Cooks, the Hawkesbury-Nepean and the Georges Rivers
- Emergency services and Ausgrid crews have been out in force, with more than 10 flood rescues and thousands of homes and businesses left without power.
Stay tuned for more updates as the storm continues.
Sydney has received more than 118 millimetres of rain today.Credit:Louise Kennerley
Another rainy November day...
... But from more than 30 years ago.
Our librarians have dug up this photo of flooding at Broadway from 1984, which looks similar to the flooding around Glebe from this morning.
Thunderstorms could bring hail, forecasters say
The Bureau of Meteorology has updated its severe thunderstorm warning, saying the severe thunderstorms which have already brought a month's worth of rain could also bring hail.
The bureau says severe thunderstorms, from Sydney's coast from the south coast to the northern rivers, could bring large hailstorms and damaging winds in the next several hours.
Since 5.30am, Sydney has received 118.8 millimetres of rain, with flooding across the city.
About 6600 homes and businesses remain without power
Ausgrid is working to restore power to 6600 customers as the storm wreaks havoc on the power network.
In Chatswood, a tree brought down powerlines over the road. A tree on powerlines has also affected power supply in Roseville.
Ausgrid said the earlier power outage in East Ryde, North Ryde and Marsfield had been fixed.
Anzac Bridge reopened
By Sarah Keoghan
Anzac Bridge has been reopened after westbound lanes were closed this morning due to flooding.
Diversions onto Pyrmont Bridge Road have also been lifted, but traffic remains very heavy.
Vehicles driving slowly on water logged Bridge Road, Glebe.Credit:Louise Kennerley
Pittwater Road has also reopened southbound at Epping Road, as well as Parramatta Rd which has also been reopened in both directions after earlier closures.
Roads continue to be closed across the city, with Eastern Valley Way in Castle Cove currently closed in both directions due to a fallen tree and wires.
Oxford Fall Road is also closed between Wakehurst Parkway and Avoona Road.
Further south, the Illawarra Highway remains closed at Macquarie Pass in both directions due to the flooding.
South coast school damaged by storm
A school on the south coast has partially closed today after the school suffered storm damage.
A Department of Education spokesman said when staff at Bomaderry High School discovered the storm damage, they asked parents to keep their children home if possible.
The school is open, but with minimal supervision, the spokesman said.
Police angered by 'idiotic' motorists
By Sarah Keoghan
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy urged motorists to slow down after incidences of “idiotic driving” through flooding.
Motorists were seen speeding and driving through deep flood waters this morning, as well as an overlength truck attempting to enter Glaston Gorge in Sydney’s north.
“It doesn’t make any sense at all,” he said. “We don’t want to send a message by having someone die.”
Police have urged people to stay home if possible and avoid peak hour traffic areas this afternoon.
“Delay your journey or continue to work from home this afternoon,” he said. “It’s not over yet and it’s predicted to get worse.”
One dead, two injured after flood incidents: police
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said police want people to work from home today, as the wild weather makes road conditions dangerous.
He confirmed one person has died after a crash at Thornleigh this morning.
Assistant Commissioner Corboy said people should not drive through flood water.Credit:Dean Lewins
Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash at The Esplanade about 9.10 this morning, and found a male passenger had died at the scene. The two male drivers were taken to Westmead in a stable condition, where they will both undergo mandatory testing.
"It’s tragic. We do not want any further tragedies today," the assistant commissioner said.
Two police officers were also injured while assisting people who had driven into floodwater, he said.
The female officer had a "severely broken leg" which would require rehabilitation.
Mr Corboy said people should never drive through flood water.
"We’re out there doing our best for you, so do your best for us," he said.
Police are investigating the Thornleigh crash, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Flood warning for Cooks River
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood warning for the Cooks River at Tempe, with rainfall of up to 170 millimetres possible.
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