Australia: Severe weather warnings issued in New South Wales November 26

Event

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued severe weather warnings for parts of New South Wales state at 10:54 (local time) on Tuesday, November 26. Severe thunderstorms are forecast to affect individuals in Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Central Tablelands, and parts of southern Tablelands, North West Slopes, Plains, Central West Slopes, and Plains Forecast districts. Officials also expect damaging winds averaging between 60-70 kph (37-43 mph) to impact people in Illawarra, parts of South Coast, Central Tablelands, and Southern Tablelands Forecast districts. The bureau forecasts windy conditions to gradually ease late Tuesday, or early Wednesday, November 27.

The severe weather forced approximately 37 domestic flight cancelations to and from Sydney Airport (SYD) on Monday, November 25, with lingering disruptions reported on Tuesday. Virgin Australia has reportedly canceled eight flights scheduled on Tuesday. Local media outlets report that SYD is operating via one single runway as a precautionary measure. Further flight disruptions are possible in the coming hours as the severe weather continues.

Associated transportation disruptions in the abovementioned districts are expected through Tuesday. 

Advice

Individuals in New South Wales are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, confirm road conditions and flight reservations before setting out, and anticipate disruptions to transportation and business in flood-affected areas. Remember than running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.