Severe thunderstorms in NSW have been preceded by footage appearing to show small tornadoes tearing through the coastal town of Ulladulla, about 230km from Sydney.
Video recorded on Saturday showed powerful winds moving through the town as residents struggled to cope with the conditions. One person could be heard saying: “I’ve never seen anything like it!”
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for metropolitan Sydney, the Illawarra, parts of the Central Tablelands, the Hunter region and the Southern Tablelands.
It said storms could bring damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rain capable of causing flash flooding. The warning for the Illawarra and Hunter was cancelled shortly afterwards as storms in those areas dissipated.
By 5.30pm, severe thunderstorms producing damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall had been recorded near Parramatta and Ryde. The storm was moving east towards Sydney city, Sydney Airport, Sydney Olympic Park, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and waters off Bondi Beach, with the CBD expected to be affected by 6pm.
Residents near Maroubra Beach were warned the storm could reach their area by 6.30pm. A general thunderstorm warning remained in place for the Central Tablelands and the Central West Slopes and Plains.
Authorities advised people to secure outdoor items, move vehicles away from trees, powerlines and drains, and avoid driving or walking through floodwater. Anyone trapped by rising water was told to move to the highest available area.
The State Emergency Service also warned residents to stay away from creeks, storm drains, fallen powerlines and energised objects, and to remain away from windows indoors. People in immediate danger or needing emergency medical help were told to call triple-0.
