Severe storms struck Sydney and surrounding areas on Wednesday, leading to extensive damage, including a large gum tree falling on a car. The New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) responded to nearly 2,300 calls for assistance in a 24-hour period, with the suburb of Blacktown being the hardest hit. Wind gusts reached alarming speeds, causing power outages and significant disruptions to transportation.

Storm Impact and Emergency Response
The NSW SES reported that it received over 2,300 calls for assistance by 5 a.m. following the storms, with Blacktown accounting for more than 350 storm-related incidents. Emergency services worked tirelessly to clear fallen trees and restore order in the affected areas. The storms caused widespread damage across Sydney, western NSW, and the Central Coast, with numerous trees uprooted and infrastructure damaged.

Wind Speeds and Weather Conditions
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) recorded significant wind gusts during the storms, with Nobbys Head experiencing gusts up to 119 km/h, while Orange and Dubbo recorded gusts of 109 km/h. In Queensland, the winds were similarly fierce, with Dalby reaching 109 km/h and Goondiwindi recording gusts of 107 km/h. These extreme weather conditions contributed to the chaos experienced across the region.

Casualties and Power Outages
The severe weather resulted in at least one reported fatality, underscoring the storms' danger. Thousands of residents were left without power as the storms damaged electrical infrastructure, complicating recovery efforts. Authorities emphasized the importance of safety during such extreme weather events and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

Transportation Disruptions
In addition to property damage, the storms caused significant delays in train services across Sydney. Commuters faced disruptions as fallen trees obstructed tracks and adverse weather conditions hindered operations. Transport authorities worked to restore services as quickly as possible, but many passengers experienced long wait times and altered routes.

Wrap-up
The severe storms that hit Sydney and surrounding regions have left a mark with their destructive impact, prompting a robust response from emergency services. As recovery efforts continue, residents are reminded to remain vigilant and prioritize safety in the wake of such unpredictable weather.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team