Thunderstorms in New South Wales by Rob McElwee
A severe thunderstorm has swept across Sydney, the Illawarra and Central Coast, lashing the area with huge hailstones. Residents are mopping up after the storm caused flash floods. Giant hailstones, 7 cms (2.7 inches) in diameter, were reported in Blacktown in Sydney.
Flights at the city’s airport were disrupted by the storm and further delays are possible. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said the storm was expected to move out to sea following the deluge of rain, hail and damaging winds on the Central Coast. A general thunderstorm warning is in place for much of New South Wales for the rest of Sunday.
Another severe thunderstorm cut a swathe through parts of Sydney on Friday, killing one person and damaging buildings. Police said the man was killed when an awning collapsed at the front of a shop during a torrential downpour, in the suburb of Balgowlah. More than 300 calls for assistance were received by the emergency services on Friday night.
BoM said the storm brought damaging winds and dumped over 20 mm (just less than an inch) of rain in 10 minutes. According to the Bureau, the thunderstorms were a result of an unusual level of humidity that has been over eastern Australia for the last couple of weeks. Such intense downpours are a rare event and only happen once in every 3 to 5 years.
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