Severe weather wreaked havoc across eastern NSW as an east coast low brought heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous conditions. Thousands were left without power, train services were disrupted, and residents faced the threat of flooding and coastal erosion.
The impact of the wild weather was particularly felt in areas like Lake Macquarie, where a train carrying passengers was struck by fallen power lines, leading to a dramatic rescue operation. In Sydney’s west, a tree crashed through a train driver’s window, leaving passengers stranded for an hour.
The Illawarra and South Coast regions bore the brunt of the storm, with heavy rainfall and strong winds battering the coastline. As the weather system intensified, authorities warned that conditions were likely to worsen overnight and into the following day.
Residents in coastal areas such as Wamberal, North Entrance, Jervis Bay, Ulladulla, and Batemans Bay were advised to take precautions, with some properties facing evacuation orders due to the risk of erosion and flooding. The NSW SES responded to over 1300 incidents in a 24-hour period, including flood rescues and power outages affecting thousands of homes and businesses.
NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib emphasized the magnitude of the weather event, cautioning that wind gusts could reach up to 125km/h. With the situation expected to deteriorate further, authorities urged the public to stay vigilant and heed safety warnings.
Despite the challenging conditions, the NSW SES, along with over 1200 volunteers and emergency partners, worked tirelessly to respond to emergencies and assist those in need. The relentless rain and powerful winds posed significant challenges, with some areas experiencing rapid accumulation of rainfall and strong gusts.
Flood watches remained in effect for various regions, including the Mid North Coast, Hunter, Hawkesbury-Nepean, and parts of Victoria. Transport services were severely impacted, with fallen trees and water on tracks disrupting rail networks and prompting warnings to commuters to avoid non-essential travel.
Passengers recounted their ordeals, with some stranded on trains for hours due to the storm-related disruptions. The inclement weather also caused damage to infrastructure, including a tree crashing through a train driver’s windscreen, highlighting the dangers posed by the extreme conditions.
As the east coast low continued to unleash its fury, coastal communities braced for the impact of erosion and rising waters, while emergency services remained on high alert to respond to unfolding emergencies. The resilience of residents and the dedication of emergency workers were evident as they navigated the challenges posed by the relentless storm.
With weather conditions expected to remain volatile, authorities urged the public to stay informed, follow safety advice, and take necessary precautions to ensure their well-being amidst the ongoing wild weather event.
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