Severe Weather Hits Sydney: Two Injured in Hyde Park Incident

Two individuals have sustained injuries after strong winds toppled a tree in Sydney’s Hyde Park, amidst wild weather conditions engulfing the city. This incident occurred at the intersection of Elizabeth Street and Market Street in Sydney’s CBD, near St James train station.

The Impact of the Strong Winds

• The State Emergency Service (SES) has received 1572 calls for assistance in the CBD alone, due to damages caused by the powerful winds.
• Additional calls for aid were made from various areas including Bankstown, Parramatta, Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai, and Ryde, which experienced significant impact.
• Suburban areas across Sydney reported 600 more callouts for assistance due to the adverse weather conditions.
  

  Ferries Cancelled and Warnings Issued
  

• Earlier in the day, ferry services were suspended, and residents were advised to steer clear of coastal areas as a low-pressure system brought severe weather to parts of New South Wales.
• Massive swells have affected popular beaches such as Manly, Coogee, and Bondi, with waves reaching heights of up to 4.9 meters in Sydney.
• Various ferry services, including those to Manly, Mosman Bay, Blackwattle Bay, and Taronga Zoo, were canceled due to unsafe conditions caused by the turbulent weather.
  

  Future Weather Outlook
  

• The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast even larger waves as the day progresses, driven by strong south to southeasterly winds.
• The agency warns of potentially damaging surf conditions and coastal erosion along exposed coasts between Ulladulla and Smoky Cape.
• Residents are urged to avoid beaches and surf-exposed areas due to the hazardous conditions.
  

  Spread of Damaging Winds
  

• Damaging winds have already impacted a wide area, spanning from Kempsey to Southern Sydney.
• Wind gusts of up to 106 km/h have been recorded in locations such as Newcastle, Sydney airport, Kurnell, and Wattamolla in the Royal National Park.
• Severe thunderstorms are expected to combine with the low-pressure system, bringing significant rainfall and continuing strong winds through the weekend.
  

  Severe Storm Warnings and Precautions
  

• The NSW SES has issued a watch and act warning for severe storms in northern NSW, with expected rainfall totals of up to 200mm in a 48-hour period.
• Beachgoers are cautioned about damaging surf conditions along coastal areas from the Illawarra to the Mid-North Coast.
• In Queensland, severe storms are forecast for the Burdekin region and much of the Central Coast and Whitsundays, with the potential for large hail and damaging winds.
  

  Conclusion
  

  The severe weather conditions in Sydney and surrounding areas have resulted in injuries, property damage, and disruptions to transportation services. Residents are advised to exercise caution, stay informed about weather updates, and follow safety measures to mitigate risks during these adverse weather events.

  FAQ
  

  How many calls did the SES receive due to the strong winds in Sydney?
  

  The SES received 1572 calls for assistance in the CBD alone, with additional calls from other affected areas.

  Which coastal areas are expected to experience damaging surf conditions?
  

  Coastal areas between Ulladulla and Smoky Cape are likely to face damaging surf conditions according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

  What precautions should residents take during severe weather conditions?
  

  Residents should avoid coastal areas, stay away from the surf, and prepare for potential damaging winds and heavy rainfall.