Sydney Trains, NSW fire, weather updates: Severe storm cripples rail system, power outages spread across state

Tens of thousands of NSW residents and worplaces are without power after a huge storm front swept across the state on Wednesday.

Rural energy provider Essential Energy has provided an update as they begin to restore power to the affected areas.

“Severe storms and high winds are continuing to cause damage to Essential Energy’s electricity network, with power outages affecting homes and businesses across the Central West, New England, Mid Western and Mid North Coast regions.

“As of 1pm, there are around 35,000 customers without power across the network. The Central West region has been the most heavily impacted with 23,500 customers without power in the communities of Dubbo, Narromine, Orange, Bathurst, Cowra, Peak Hill and surrounding areas.

“Outage numbers can fluctuate as the severe weather is still in progress. Crews are currently working to repair the network where safe to do so. Due to widespread total fire bans across the state, some areas require additional patrols of the line before power can be restored safely, which can delay restoration times.

“Customers are reminded to keep at least eight metres away from fallen powerlines, power poles and damaged electricity equipment, or 150 metres away if any part of the electricity network is covered in flood waters. Always assume that these powerlines are live and very dangerous,” the statement said.

The aftermath of a massive storm that hit Sydney on Wednesday afternoon is set to flow into the afternoon peak.

Sydney Trains are warning their customers to “allow plenty of extra travel time due to severe weather causing power supply issues at various locations.

“Delay travel, consider using other transport or make your own travel arrangements if possible,” the statement said.

Travellers already on trains or at stations are encouraged to “listen for announcements and check information screens”.

Huge swathes of Western Sydney are currenty without power after a massive storm landed on Wednesday afternoon.

Endeavour energy is reporting that at least 53,000 customers are without power in the Blacktown, Seven Hills, Doonside and Kings Park areas.

Transport NSW have issued warnings for commuters as Sydney train lines experience power outages afrer the massive storm on Wednesday afternoon.

“Allow plenty of extra travel time due to severe weather causing power supply issues at various locations,” the latest update said.

“We are working hard to resolve the issue as soon as possible, but train services will be delayed, trips may take longer than usual and stops may change at short notice.

“Trains may stop on platforms or between stations for longer than normal while the incident is ongoing.

“Consider using metro services between Epping, Chatswood and Central to continue your journey.

“Please listen for announcements and check information screens before getting on trains and use transport apps for service updates.”

The NSW Rural Fire Service has issued a “leave now” alert after a fire has sparked up in coastal NSW.

The current statement is a watch and act declaration for the Pacific Highway at Karuah (Port Stephens LGA).

Residents in the vicinty of Scotts Road have been told to leave now.

“Firefighters are on scene of a grass fire burning in the vicinity of Limeburners Creek Rd and the M1 Motorway,” the warning says.

“The fire is burning in a south easterly direction towards Scotts Rd. Those in the vicinity of Scotts Rd should Leave Now If Not Prepared, in an easterly direction towards Karuah.”

Large hailstones are pelting various areas of NSW as a massive storm takes hold on Wednesday afternoon.

Port Kembla on the NSW South Coast has been in the firing with images shared on social media showing a white out of hail.

Residents in large parts of NSW are being warned to take shelter and make provision as a severe storm takes hold.

The warning has declared the State Emergency Service advises people should:

• Move your car under cover or away from trees
• Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony
• Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences
• Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill
• Unplug computers and appliances
• Avoid using the phone during the storm
• Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well

Large areas in and around the Sydney basin are on high alert as a massive storm front closes in.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that a severe thunderstorm is likely to produce damaging wind gusts and large hailstones on Wednesday afternoon.

Severe weather has been detected near Blackheath, Oakdale, Dapto, Lake Avon, the Rylstone/Kandos district and the Bathurst district.

These thunderstorms are moving towards the east to southeast and are forecast to affect Wollongong, Katoomba, Richmond, Camden, Campbelltown, Penrith and Picton by 12:40 pm and Hornsby, Sutherland, Sydney Airport and Mona Vale.

Wind gusts of 110 km/h have been recorded at Orange and 98 km/h at Parkes.

The catastrophic fire danger has forced the NSW Government to close 25 schools across the state.

FULL LIST: Ariah Park Central School, Barellan Central School, Bedgerabong Public School, Binya Public School, Bogan Gate Public School, Boree Creek Public School, Caragabal Public School, Ganmain Public School, Greenethorpe Public School, Lake Wyangan Public School, Lowesdale Public School, Marrar Public School, Matong Public School, Naradhan Public School, Narrandera East Infants School, Narrandera High School, Pleasant Hills Public School, Tallimba Public School, Tharbogang Public School, The Rock Central School, Ungarie Central School, Wamoon Public School, Weethalle Public School, Whitton-Murrami Public School and Yerong Creek Public School are closed on Wednesday.

The NSW Department of Education is publishing updates on its website.

Across NSW, 11 regions have a total fire ban in place for Wednesday.

The NSW Government and NSW RFS say this means no fires out in the open.

“During a Total Fire Ban, you cannot light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or carry out any activity in the open that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire,” the RFS says.

“General purpose hot works (such as welding, grinding or gas cutting or any activity that produces a spark or flame) are not to be done in the open.

“The NSW RFS strongly recommends you reconsider activities such as using a tractor or slashing, to help reduce the chance of a fire starting on your property.”