Sydney severe thunderstorm: Residents urged to ‘prepare now’ as damaging winds, hail, rain batter south-west

Sydney residents are being urged to “prepare now” as severe weather sweeps across areas in the south-west of NSW.

A warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology following extreme winds, rain, and hail.

A “vigorous” coastal low will develop off the southern coast, bringing damaging winds up to 100 km/h, according to the BOM.

“Wind gusts along the coastal fringe of the South Coast and Illawarra may reach 110 km/h during Friday afternoon,” the warning reads.

What areas will be most affected?

People in the following areas are being urged to prepare now:

• Sydney coast
• Wollongong
• Nowra
• Batemans Bay
• Eden
• Cooma
• Bega

What do I need to do?

This event may change quickly, so it’s important to stay up to date with the situation. NSW SES will monitor the situation as it develops.

The SES advises people to:

• Park your car under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines and drains.
• 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.

Transport disruptions:

The severe weather is causing major disruptions to Sydney’s transport network, with metro services completely shut down.

A power supply issue between Barangaroo and Victoria Cross stations has caused the M1 line to halt operations.

Commuters are being urged to make alternative travel arrangements as all services across the south-west have been hit with heavy delays.