Severe weather warning issued for metropolitan area
Sydneysiders have been warned to prepare for heavy rain, large hail and damaging winds after the Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Sydney metropolitan area and surrounding areas.
The Bureau of Meteorology warned that at 9:15 p.m. severe thunderstorms were spotted on weather radar near Parramatta, Cessnock, Bucketty and Berry.
“These thunderstorms are moving east-northeast,” the BOM alert reads. “They are expected to affect Kiama, Penrith and Kurri Kurri at 21:45 and Hornsby, Liverpool and Maitland by 22:15.”
Lightning streaks across the sky as seen from Newport on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.Credit:Nick Moir
At 8pm, residents of Metropolitan, Illawarra and parts of the Mid North Coast, Hunter, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Northern Tablelands and South Coast Forecast Districts were warned to prepare for the risk of flash floods, large hail and damaging winds next year some hours.
“Sites that may be affected include Penrith, Parramatta, Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral and Katoomba,” the BOM said in a statement.
The State Emergency Medical Service advises that people should move their cars under cover or away from trees and secure loose objects around the home, yard and balcony.
Thunderstorms over Blacktown on Tuesday evening.Credit:Walter Peeters
People should also keep a distance of at least eight meters from fallen power lines or objects that may be live, such as e.g. fences. During the storm, people are advised to unplug computers and appliances, avoid using phones and stay away from windows indoors, and keep children and pets indoors.
If you are caught in a flash flood, the SES advises you to seek refuge at the highest point available and to call 000 if you need assistance.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/severe-storm-warning-issued-for-sydney-20230124-p5cf7i.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_national_nsw Severe weather warning issued for metropolitan area
