A torrential downpour overnight capped off Sydney’s wettest start to the year in more than three decades.
Locals watched a steamy, still day turn into a summer storm on Monday evening when half a month’s worth of rain cracked open the sky.
Sydney’s main rain gauge at Observatory Hill recorded 52mm between 5:20pm and 6:20pm.
“Most Sydneysiders started 2023 amid hopes the flood- and mould-producing rain of 2022 was a thing of the past,” Weatherzone meteorologist Ben Domensino said.
“But with La Nina still in place and a warm east-Australian current boosting atmospheric moisture over eastern NSW, Sydney has just endured yet another abnormally wet month.”
The heaviest rain fell to the southwest of the city in Camden, where 88mm was recorded at the airport, including 61mm which fell in just 60 minutes.
NSW residents are sweating through sweltering, humid nights this week as minimum evening temperatures topple long-held records.
Sydney recorded its warmest night in three years on Sunday with a minimum temperature of 24C.
Meanwhile, on the state’s south coast, Merimbula residents sweated through their warmest night in more than 50 years with a minimum of 23.3C.
On Tuesday morning, Sydneysiders woke to find public transport routes had been delayed, with the SES responding to 17 more flood-related calls.
The rain is predicted to return along with “possibly severe” thunderstorms across NSW, sparking concerns from the SES.
In Sydney, wet conditions are predicted until Thursday, and Monday’s weather system is slowly moving north to the Central Coast and Hunter areas.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan said volunteers had responded to as many as 304 phone calls since 2pm on Monday, with 272 calls for help within the Sydney Metro area received.
She said motorists had also become trapped in their vehicles, especially in Milperra and Camden, with four cars reportedly stuck on the M5 off-ramp.
“All of these rescues occurred in quick succession from around 5.30pm onwards as commuters were on the road in peak-hour traffic,” Ms Hogan said.
According to the SES, rescues from flash flooding were reported in Fairfield, Warwick Farm, Milperra, Merrylands, Guildford, Granville and Auburn.
NSW residents are being urged to prepare for “unsettled weather” and storms throughout the week.
Ms Hogan reminded residents to keep up to date with recent warnings and to monitor conditions before driving anywhere.
“If you come across a flooded road, the best advice is to turn around and find an alternative route,” she said.
“You should also seek shelter at higher ground if you can.”
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500.
NSW TrainLink has warned travellers to prepare for delays due to the weather and has asked them to find alternative transport if possible.
Flooding at Olympic Park is impacting railway tracks, with commuters expected to endure 20-minute delays.
On Monday night, Marrickville line passengers were asked to find alternative transport after flooding had impacted the track.
Those looking to catch a train in weather-affected areas on Tuesday morning were reminded to expect delays and listen for any updates on the situation.
