Flights Cancelled As Wild Weather Batters Sydney
Image: weatherzone
Sydney is in for a night of heavy rains and strong winds, with conditions only set to get worse over the next 24 hours, as a complex weather system continues to move further inland.
Dubbed a “bombogenesis” by meteorologists, the phenomena is usually seen during winter, and is the result a sharp drop in atmospheric pressure over a short period, creating an unstable air mass.
“This system is fast-moving, different to recent events, and will bring rapid, heavy, short and sharp rain bursts,” NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Debbie Platz said on Tuesday afternoon.
Around midday today, those between the coastal fringe of metropolitan Sydney and the South Coast were advised by the SES to stay indoors and avoid travel.
“Just the sheer size of it is enormous, in the last 24 hours alone, the SES has responded to 600 calls,” said Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib.
Sydneysiders can expect up to 100 millimetres of rain, with Dib warning of the hazards of loose items in backyards and properties as wind gusts are expected to reach 125km/h.
“The wind will do some serious damage,” he said. “Some of those branches may end up becoming projectiles.”
Transport delays expected as airport operations reduced
Single runway operations were put in place at Sydney Airport early this afternoon, with operators following International Civil Aviation Organisation safety regulations for runway usage amid inclement weather
“Safety is Airservices’ No.1 remit; this decision is purely weather and safety-related to safeguard the travelling public,” a spokesperson said. “We anticipated this safety call in cooperation with our airline customers and the BOM.
“Airlines and airports were well aware single runway ops were a likely outcome today due to BOM’s inclement weather forecasts.”
The spokesperson added that decisions regarding flight cancellations are a matter for individual airlines, and that passengers take it upon themselves to keep up to date with any changes in their travel arrangements.
As of 4pm, there haven’t been any wet weather alerts issued by Transport for NSW surrounding train or Metro delays. However, with conditions expected to worsen throughout the evening, it is a possibility.
“There may be sudden road closures or there may be sudden delays on the public transport system. Everything is holding up OK at the moment, but … just be prepared that circumstances can change,” said Transport for NSW operations management executive director Craig Moran.
The SES has also warned of flash floods throughout the East Coast, with motorists reminded not to drive in floodwaters- in any circumstances.
“I know it may provide a shortcut, I know you may think you’ve got a big car and you can do it — but we just saw in May some tragedies as a result of people being in floodwaters, driving through,” said Dib.
“The deputy commissioner tells me it takes about 10 centimetres of water, and depending on the speed that it’s moving, it could move your car.”
People can download the Hazards Near Me app, or check the NSW SES or Bureau of Meteorology websites to stay across warnings.
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