A powerful “bomb cyclone” battered Sydney and parts of New South Wales on Tuesday, bringing heavy rains, fierce winds, and widespread disruptions. Authorities warned that the wild weather could worsen over the next 24 hours, prompting evacuations and flight cancellations.
The intense storm system delivered rainfall of up to 250 mm and winds reaching 125 km/h, according to Australia’s weather bureau. Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib described the storm as “enormous” and cautioned residents that conditions may deteriorate further before improving.
Coastal communities most at risk of erosion have been urged to evacuate, while flood warnings remain in place for towns along the Mid North Coast. Airlines also felt the impact—Qantas cancelled 11 domestic flights, and Virgin Australia cancelled 12 flights in Sydney and Newcastle. However, international flights remain unaffected.
The weather bureau explained that the cyclone, known scientifically as “bombogenesis,” rapidly developed as a low-pressure system, causing air pressure to drop quickly and triggering severe weather. This rare phenomenon poses serious risks, especially in densely populated areas like Sydney.
Forecasters expect the storm system to move offshore into the Tasman Sea by Wednesday, but strong winds and large waves will likely continue along the coastline. “Warnings will remain active as conditions stay dangerous through Wednesday,” said Senior Meteorologist Helen Reid.
Looking ahead, weather conditions are expected to improve gradually. By Friday, only light, scattered showers will remain along the east coast, bringing much-needed relief to affected communities.