A severe thunderstorm has smashed Sydney, bringing the airport, public transport and sporting fixtures to an abrupt halt.
An unstable airmass combined with an upper trough produced wild weather across large swathes of NSW on Wednesday night.
Damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall smashed not only Sydney but also the Hunter, the Mid North Coast, Illawarra, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands Forecast Districts.
Wind gusts exceeding 100km/h have so far been reported in Sydney Airport, Kurnell, Scone, Murrurindi Gap, Tamworth, Merriwa, Dubbo, Mullion, Bombala, Trangie, Cowra, Walgett, Cabrumurra and Wagga Wagga.
Sydney Airport has temporarily grounded all flights. It’s not known when they will resume.
Arriving flights have diverted to other airports and departing aircraft have returned to their gates.
The wild weather also disrupted A-League Women’s match between Sydney FC and Canberra United at Leichhardt Oval after a blackout hit the pitch.
Impacted areas are also at risk of flash flooding, the Bureau of Meteorology warned.
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of NSW as severe winds, large hailstones and flash flooding engulf the state
The Bureau of Meteorology has advised residents living in the affected areas to remain inside and to unplug household electronics
Areas most likely to experience flooding include Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Parramatta, Armidale and Tamworth.
The state emergency service has advised all those living in the affected areas to brace for the storm by protecting their property and anticipating damage.
Cars should be moved away from trees or anything likely to be damaged in the severe rainfall and extreme winds.
All loose items should either be put away or tied down for the duration of the storm.
Anyone who discovers fallen power lines are advised to remain at least eight metres away and call Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy or Evoenergy
The State Emergency Service also warned people to keep clear of creeks and storm drains and not to walk, ride bikes or drive through flood water.
Household electronics should remain unplugged and de-energised throughout the storm.
Everyone in the affected area is advised to stay indoor and should they become trapped by flash flooding to call emergency services for assistance.
The thunderstorm halted the round nine A-League Women’s match between Sydney FC and Canberra United at Leichhardt Oval after a blackout hit the pitch
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned those in the worst affected areas to brace for flash flooding as the storm rages on
