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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2015/dec/16/tornado-warning-issued-as-sydney-braces-for-massive-storm-live
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| Version 8 | Version 9 |
|---|---|
| Severe thunderstorms in Sydney after tornado warning - as it happened | Severe thunderstorms in Sydney after tornado warning - as it happened |
| (6 days later) | |
| 6.51am GMT | 6.51am GMT |
| 06:51 | 06:51 |
| Related: Sydney storms: tornado, hail, wind and flash-flooding wreak havoc across city | Related: Sydney storms: tornado, hail, wind and flash-flooding wreak havoc across city |
| 5.53am GMT | 5.53am GMT |
| 05:53 | 05:53 |
| Summary | Summary |
| 5.30am GMT | 5.30am GMT |
| 05:30 | 05:30 |
| Metropolitan warning cancelled but no joy for the non-Sydneysiders | Metropolitan warning cancelled but no joy for the non-Sydneysiders |
| Bom’s just released its most recent update, with the storm warning for metropolitan Sydney cancelled. | Bom’s just released its most recent update, with the storm warning for metropolitan Sydney cancelled. |
| The storm’s now moving up towards the ACT and the Hunter and Tablelands districts, bringing those regions their share of flash floods and hail. | The storm’s now moving up towards the ACT and the Hunter and Tablelands districts, bringing those regions their share of flash floods and hail. |
| We’ll start wrapping up our coverage shortly. | We’ll start wrapping up our coverage shortly. |
| 5.28am GMT | 5.28am GMT |
| 05:28 | 05:28 |
| Footage shot by Andrew McGregor in Kurnell shows debris flying through the air, while the storm’s advance on Sydney harbour can be seen in a timelapse. | Footage shot by Andrew McGregor in Kurnell shows debris flying through the air, while the storm’s advance on Sydney harbour can be seen in a timelapse. |
| 4.56am GMT | 4.56am GMT |
| 04:56 | 04:56 |
| Sydney commuters can expect a difficult trip home. | Sydney commuters can expect a difficult trip home. |
| Enfield drive at Bondi Junction is like a scene from Walking Dead because of floods! Gridlock. #sydneystorm #9News pic.twitter.com/tiVzU3lUAb | Enfield drive at Bondi Junction is like a scene from Walking Dead because of floods! Gridlock. #sydneystorm #9News pic.twitter.com/tiVzU3lUAb |
| Paddo blowhole #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/KxPGM0Vfko | Paddo blowhole #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/KxPGM0Vfko |
| The view from our driveway #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/wE3j6vx3gh | The view from our driveway #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/wE3j6vx3gh |
| Traffic held back by the flood on Syd Einfeld Dr! Chaos whether today. #sydneystorm #sydneyweather pic.twitter.com/djczA3mSNp | Traffic held back by the flood on Syd Einfeld Dr! Chaos whether today. #sydneystorm #sydneyweather pic.twitter.com/djczA3mSNp |
| Out our front door at Paddo. Sigh. #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/Iro1ZbbUr1 | Out our front door at Paddo. Sigh. #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/Iro1ZbbUr1 |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.58am GMT | at 4.58am GMT |
| 4.46am GMT | 4.46am GMT |
| 04:46 | 04:46 |
| Bom’s latest outlook still warns of severe thunderstorms, now bound for Lake Macquarie and, later, Newcastle City. Large hailstones, very heavy rainfall and damaging winds are still likely. | Bom’s latest outlook still warns of severe thunderstorms, now bound for Lake Macquarie and, later, Newcastle City. Large hailstones, very heavy rainfall and damaging winds are still likely. |
| Sydneysiders taking shelter from the storm under a bus stop in Randwick. #9News pic.twitter.com/qSoThowG8a | Sydneysiders taking shelter from the storm under a bus stop in Randwick. #9News pic.twitter.com/qSoThowG8a |
| 4.08am GMT | 4.08am GMT |
| 04:08 | 04:08 |
| More from AAP on Kurnell: | More from AAP on Kurnell: |
| The desalination plant in Kurnell was evacuated after reportedly sustaining significant damage and workers were also cleared out of the Caltex refinery as a safety precaution. | The desalination plant in Kurnell was evacuated after reportedly sustaining significant damage and workers were also cleared out of the Caltex refinery as a safety precaution. |
| The main road to Kurnell, Captain Cook Drive, is closed. | The main road to Kurnell, Captain Cook Drive, is closed. |
| Two trucks were blown over by the wind on Chisholm Rd but nobody was injured. | Two trucks were blown over by the wind on Chisholm Rd but nobody was injured. |
| Kurnell local Melanie Bowman said tiles had come off her roof and powerlines were down. | Kurnell local Melanie Bowman said tiles had come off her roof and powerlines were down. |
| “I can see the sky from our garage... I can see lots of parts of roofs in the street,” she said. | “I can see the sky from our garage... I can see lots of parts of roofs in the street,” she said. |
| “It felt just like a cyclone with hail and high winds. | “It felt just like a cyclone with hail and high winds. |
| “My husband has left to come home from work and he can’t actually get out here.” | “My husband has left to come home from work and he can’t actually get out here.” |
| The SES has received more than 417 requests for help with 31 volunteer team working in the Kurnell and Illawarra areas with reports of damage to infrastructure, power lines, trees and roofs. | The SES has received more than 417 requests for help with 31 volunteer team working in the Kurnell and Illawarra areas with reports of damage to infrastructure, power lines, trees and roofs. |
| Ausgrid crews are in Kurnell inspecting damage to the electricity network but tweeted that restoring the network will take time depending on the scale of damage. | Ausgrid crews are in Kurnell inspecting damage to the electricity network but tweeted that restoring the network will take time depending on the scale of damage. |
| Sutherland Shire council advised residents via its website that rubbish collection services have been cancelled until Thursday. | Sutherland Shire council advised residents via its website that rubbish collection services have been cancelled until Thursday. |
| NSW fire crews are on the scene at the Bondi Junction shopping centre where water has poured in after a roof collapsed. | NSW fire crews are on the scene at the Bondi Junction shopping centre where water has poured in after a roof collapsed. |
| Bondi Pizza waiter Michael Seeff says people started shouting “the roof has collapsed” and some customers ran out before paying the bill. | Bondi Pizza waiter Michael Seeff says people started shouting “the roof has collapsed” and some customers ran out before paying the bill. |
| “Water was coming down the sides of the walls and onto the floor,” he told AAP. | “Water was coming down the sides of the walls and onto the floor,” he told AAP. |
| 4.03am GMT | 4.03am GMT |
| 04:03 | 04:03 |
| Kurnell has been by far the worst hit in today’s storm. | Kurnell has been by far the worst hit in today’s storm. |
| “It is so very rare to get a tornado inside Sydney, much less a strong tornado,” a BOM spokesman said. | “It is so very rare to get a tornado inside Sydney, much less a strong tornado,” a BOM spokesman said. |
| Gusts in Kurnell reached up to 213km/h. “That is the fastest speed that has been recorded in NSW history,” he said. | Gusts in Kurnell reached up to 213km/h. “That is the fastest speed that has been recorded in NSW history,” he said. |
| An evacuation centre for Kurnell residents has been set up at the Cronulla Leagues Club on Captain Cook Drive, in the Sutherland Shire. | An evacuation centre for Kurnell residents has been set up at the Cronulla Leagues Club on Captain Cook Drive, in the Sutherland Shire. |
| Injuries are minimal but three ambulances have been sent to the Kurnell Public School as a precaution “in anticipation of a second storm”, an ambulance spokesman told AAP. | Injuries are minimal but three ambulances have been sent to the Kurnell Public School as a precaution “in anticipation of a second storm”, an ambulance spokesman told AAP. |
| A 40-year-old man in Kurnell suffered head injuries after reports of storm damage to a building, a 38-year-old man was treated for shock and another patient was treated for an unspecified conditio. | A 40-year-old man in Kurnell suffered head injuries after reports of storm damage to a building, a 38-year-old man was treated for shock and another patient was treated for an unspecified conditio. |
| A 75-year-old woman received cuts to her leg, while a man was struck by debris and an elderly man was treated for anxiety. | A 75-year-old woman received cuts to her leg, while a man was struck by debris and an elderly man was treated for anxiety. |
| All patients have been taken to Sutherland Hospital in a stable condition. | All patients have been taken to Sutherland Hospital in a stable condition. |
| JUST IN: Further footage of the strong winds earlier in #Kurnell, causing significant damage throughout the area. pic.twitter.com/RoRa7JBIUc | JUST IN: Further footage of the strong winds earlier in #Kurnell, causing significant damage throughout the area. pic.twitter.com/RoRa7JBIUc |
| Ariel photos of the current scenes at #Kurnell. Most damage has occurred particularly around Bridges Street. pic.twitter.com/Yl0czVaefW | Ariel photos of the current scenes at #Kurnell. Most damage has occurred particularly around Bridges Street. pic.twitter.com/Yl0czVaefW |
| Some of the scenes we are seeing in #Kurnell pic.twitter.com/vN6dEzFgeN | Some of the scenes we are seeing in #Kurnell pic.twitter.com/vN6dEzFgeN |
| Some more photos from Kurnell. Staff from this business huddled in the toilet as the tornado moved through. pic.twitter.com/31CkiovJ95 | Some more photos from Kurnell. Staff from this business huddled in the toilet as the tornado moved through. pic.twitter.com/31CkiovJ95 |
| The Westpac Life Saver rescue helicopter has recorded images over Kurnell showing major structural damage to homes. | The Westpac Life Saver rescue helicopter has recorded images over Kurnell showing major structural damage to homes. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.06am GMT | at 4.06am GMT |
| 3.54am GMT | 3.54am GMT |
| 03:54 | 03:54 |
| The Public Information and Inquiry Centre has been opened to support the current severe weather response in New South Wales. | The Public Information and Inquiry Centre has been opened to support the current severe weather response in New South Wales. |
| Members of the public can reach it on 1800 227 228 regarding information on the flood and storm operation. | Members of the public can reach it on 1800 227 228 regarding information on the flood and storm operation. |
| Additional information in relation to the warnings can be viewed on emergency.nsw.gov.au. | Additional information in relation to the warnings can be viewed on emergency.nsw.gov.au. |
| The inquiry hotline does not replace any emergency numbers. | The inquiry hotline does not replace any emergency numbers. |
| 3.50am GMT | 3.50am GMT |
| 03:50 | 03:50 |
| Striking scenes from Bondi. That top tweeted video appears to show part of the roof collapsing at Westfield Bondi Junction. | Striking scenes from Bondi. That top tweeted video appears to show part of the roof collapsing at Westfield Bondi Junction. |
| Omg!!! I was there. Scary 😱😱😱#sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/XVyqOUhUTM | Omg!!! I was there. Scary 😱😱😱#sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/XVyqOUhUTM |
| Roof collapsed over Zara at Westfield Bondi Junction, people are screaming and could have been killed! #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/HCh38CZACU | Roof collapsed over Zara at Westfield Bondi Junction, people are screaming and could have been killed! #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/HCh38CZACU |
| Emergency at Westfield Bondi Junction - Lindt balls are getting ruined. Absolutely ruined. #sydnado pic.twitter.com/5x1h0VrqBQ | Emergency at Westfield Bondi Junction - Lindt balls are getting ruined. Absolutely ruined. #sydnado pic.twitter.com/5x1h0VrqBQ |
| Stuck inside the chemist. Send help! #sydneystorm #sydney #hail #thunderstorm #bondijunction @9NewsSyd pic.twitter.com/fy2d749N8J | Stuck inside the chemist. Send help! #sydneystorm #sydney #hail #thunderstorm #bondijunction @9NewsSyd pic.twitter.com/fy2d749N8J |
| Water is pouring in at #BondiJunction Westfield. Shoppers evac'd but unsure where to go. @9NewsSyd pic.twitter.com/21L9EmRgRD | Water is pouring in at #BondiJunction Westfield. Shoppers evac'd but unsure where to go. @9NewsSyd pic.twitter.com/21L9EmRgRD |
| Casual river crossing 😂😂 #BondiJunction #9news #TenNews #7news #SydneyStorm #Flood pic.twitter.com/eWMc1bLFMq | Casual river crossing 😂😂 #BondiJunction #9news #TenNews #7news #SydneyStorm #Flood pic.twitter.com/eWMc1bLFMq |
| #sydneystorm at north bondi pic.twitter.com/YP4eon27hq | #sydneystorm at north bondi pic.twitter.com/YP4eon27hq |
| Not a great day to be this guy. #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/gc9pPKo266 | Not a great day to be this guy. #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/gc9pPKo266 |
| Storm over a deserted Bondi Beach #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/1amKEabPLk | Storm over a deserted Bondi Beach #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/1amKEabPLk |
| I was gonna go to Bondi junction today but it's flooding and part of the Westfield roof collapsed so maybe not | I was gonna go to Bondi junction today but it's flooding and part of the Westfield roof collapsed so maybe not |
| Of course, life goes on: | Of course, life goes on: |
| Also, if you see a non-eaten fondue in Max Brenner, that's mine damnit!! #sydneystorm #bondiwestfield https://t.co/fwJ8nE97BU | Also, if you see a non-eaten fondue in Max Brenner, that's mine damnit!! #sydneystorm #bondiwestfield https://t.co/fwJ8nE97BU |
| with WBJ event cinemas evacuated after the #sydneystorm, gotta wonder what's happening with the #StarWarsForceAwakens midnight screenings | with WBJ event cinemas evacuated after the #sydneystorm, gotta wonder what's happening with the #StarWarsForceAwakens midnight screenings |
| 3.38am GMT | 3.38am GMT |
| 03:38 | 03:38 |
| There’s some sizeable hail out there. | There’s some sizeable hail out there. |
| Ice cubes the size of hailstones @surry_hills #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/COGIcVxCeW | Ice cubes the size of hailstones @surry_hills #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/COGIcVxCeW |
| Golf ball sized hail in the Shire. #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/yz02GV6I4O | Golf ball sized hail in the Shire. #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/yz02GV6I4O |
| That's a whopper! #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/XL2nPpQRg3 | That's a whopper! #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/XL2nPpQRg3 |
| Just a little bit hail @BOM_nsw #sydney #hail #sydneystorm @smh @newscomauHQ @ Cronulla Beach pic.twitter.com/7hYSmeFC1L | Just a little bit hail @BOM_nsw #sydney #hail #sydneystorm @smh @newscomauHQ @ Cronulla Beach pic.twitter.com/7hYSmeFC1L |
| #sydneystorm Wee bit of hail here in Blackheath! pic.twitter.com/pmBpmyXteo | #sydneystorm Wee bit of hail here in Blackheath! pic.twitter.com/pmBpmyXteo |
| 3.32am GMT | 3.32am GMT |
| 03:32 | 03:32 |
| Severe thunderstorms after tornado warning | Severe thunderstorms after tornado warning |
| 3.16am GMT | 3.16am GMT |
| 03:16 | 03:16 |
| Severe thunderstorms are currently underway near Sydney City, Sydney Airport, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Wollemi National Park north of Kurrajong and Dooralong. | Severe thunderstorms are currently underway near Sydney City, Sydney Airport, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Wollemi National Park north of Kurrajong and Dooralong. |
| The thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast, and are forecast to hit Manly, Terrey Hills and waters off Bondi Beach in about 20 minutes’ time. By 3pm, they’ll be at Mona Vale, Palm Beach and Wollombi. | The thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast, and are forecast to hit Manly, Terrey Hills and waters off Bondi Beach in about 20 minutes’ time. By 3pm, they’ll be at Mona Vale, Palm Beach and Wollombi. |
| BOM is still forecasting destructive winds, large hailstones and very heavy rainfall, with the possibility of flash flooding. | BOM is still forecasting destructive winds, large hailstones and very heavy rainfall, with the possibility of flash flooding. |
| The destructive winds, peaking at 213 km/h, associated with the possible tornado that hit Kurnell at 10:30am have now moved well offshore. | The destructive winds, peaking at 213 km/h, associated with the possible tornado that hit Kurnell at 10:30am have now moved well offshore. |
| Meanwhile, NSW Police have suggested we all go home early. | Meanwhile, NSW Police have suggested we all go home early. |
| Work in an area hit by today's #sydneystorm? @nswpolice encouraging people to leave work early to avoid possible traffic & transport delays | Work in an area hit by today's #sydneystorm? @nswpolice encouraging people to leave work early to avoid possible traffic & transport delays |
| Surge pricing for Uber in Sydney CBD is 1.3x the normal fare. | Surge pricing for Uber in Sydney CBD is 1.3x the normal fare. |
| 3.07am GMT | 3.07am GMT |
| 03:07 | 03:07 |
| And the latest advice for Kurnell residents. | And the latest advice for Kurnell residents. |
| There is obvious evidence that we have had a tornado go through Cronulla today,” Bureau of Meteorologist Alan Sharp said. | There is obvious evidence that we have had a tornado go through Cronulla today,” Bureau of Meteorologist Alan Sharp said. |
| Evacuation centre for #Kurnell residents has moved from Kurnell RFB station to Cronulla Leagues Club #NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/puaZ4wNaZ2 | Evacuation centre for #Kurnell residents has moved from Kurnell RFB station to Cronulla Leagues Club #NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/puaZ4wNaZ2 |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.19am GMT | at 3.19am GMT |
| 3.05am GMT | 3.05am GMT |
| 03:05 | 03:05 |
| The latest from Fire and Rescue NSW | The latest from Fire and Rescue NSW |
| SYDNEY STORMS | 20+ #FRNSW crews assisting @NSWSES at KURNELL. Crews have attended 60+ storm incidents so far. pic.twitter.com/N1J9Qel3SB | SYDNEY STORMS | 20+ #FRNSW crews assisting @NSWSES at KURNELL. Crews have attended 60+ storm incidents so far. pic.twitter.com/N1J9Qel3SB |
| 2.53am GMT | 2.53am GMT |
| 02:53 | 02:53 |
| Nominative determinism in Flood Street: | Nominative determinism in Flood Street: |
| 2.53am GMT | 2.53am GMT |
| 02:53 | 02:53 |
| More from The Guardian’s Patrick Keneally: | More from The Guardian’s Patrick Keneally: |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.19am GMT | at 3.19am GMT |
| 2.46am GMT | 2.46am GMT |
| 02:46 | 02:46 |
| Gabrielle Jackson has an update from Westfield at Bondi Junction: | Gabrielle Jackson has an update from Westfield at Bondi Junction: |
| I didn’t see anyone injured. There is now chaos in the car park. It was only a section of the roof in the restaurant precinct but water was streaming out from either side of the sprinklers onto escalators and inside restaurant and we were saying how dangerous it looked when a massive section of plasterboard roof fell from the 3rd floor to the ground. A section hit one woman at the top of the escalator but she was ok. An ambulance has arrived. | I didn’t see anyone injured. There is now chaos in the car park. It was only a section of the roof in the restaurant precinct but water was streaming out from either side of the sprinklers onto escalators and inside restaurant and we were saying how dangerous it looked when a massive section of plasterboard roof fell from the 3rd floor to the ground. A section hit one woman at the top of the escalator but she was ok. An ambulance has arrived. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.20am GMT | at 3.20am GMT |
| 2.42am GMT | 2.42am GMT |
| 02:42 | 02:42 |
| The Guardian’s intrepid Patrick Keneally shot this at home. Heaviest rain he’s seen in Bondi. | The Guardian’s intrepid Patrick Keneally shot this at home. Heaviest rain he’s seen in Bondi. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.20am GMT | at 3.20am GMT |
| 2.40am GMT | 2.40am GMT |
| 02:40 | 02:40 |
| The storm front from the air. Flights diverted to Melbourne... | The storm front from the air. Flights diverted to Melbourne... |
| GA712 CGK->SYD tried to land in #sydneystorm, aborted and diverted to Melbourne. pic.twitter.com/VhsJYiQPXn | GA712 CGK->SYD tried to land in #sydneystorm, aborted and diverted to Melbourne. pic.twitter.com/VhsJYiQPXn |
| 2.37am GMT | 2.37am GMT |
| 02:37 | 02:37 |
| Hailing now here at Guardian Australia HQ in Surry Hills. We are sending Jonny out to get photos. Have offered bike helmet. | Hailing now here at Guardian Australia HQ in Surry Hills. We are sending Jonny out to get photos. Have offered bike helmet. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.33am GMT | at 3.33am GMT |
| 2.35am GMT | 2.35am GMT |
| 02:35 | 02:35 |
| From a (damp) shopper at Westfield in Bondi (Bondi is copping it by the sounds of it, lots of reports of hail). | From a (damp) shopper at Westfield in Bondi (Bondi is copping it by the sounds of it, lots of reports of hail). |
| 2.33am GMT | 2.33am GMT |
| 02:33 | 02:33 |
| The Guardian’s Gabrielle Jackson reports a part of the roof at Westfield Bondi Junction has collapsed. The shopping centre is being evacuated. | The Guardian’s Gabrielle Jackson reports a part of the roof at Westfield Bondi Junction has collapsed. The shopping centre is being evacuated. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.21am GMT | at 3.21am GMT |
| 2.29am GMT | 2.29am GMT |
| 02:29 | 02:29 |
| Serious damage to homes in Kurnell... | Serious damage to homes in Kurnell... |
| UPDATE: Pictures from @Lifesaverhelo showing the full extent of damage to homes in Kurnell following the storm. pic.twitter.com/XPRfYwWf6x | UPDATE: Pictures from @Lifesaverhelo showing the full extent of damage to homes in Kurnell following the storm. pic.twitter.com/XPRfYwWf6x |
| 2.25am GMT | 2.25am GMT |
| 02:25 | 02:25 |
| Providing a real-time soundtrack to our BoM-watching, a menacing rumble was heard outside The Guardian windows (we have several - for the moment) as we watched this. ‘Activity’ is perhaps too benign... | Providing a real-time soundtrack to our BoM-watching, a menacing rumble was heard outside The Guardian windows (we have several - for the moment) as we watched this. ‘Activity’ is perhaps too benign... |
| Lots of activity on the Sydney rain radar at the moment. More to come. Check warnings: https://t.co/JNsYDWxzft pic.twitter.com/b3xr1xkybB | Lots of activity on the Sydney rain radar at the moment. More to come. Check warnings: https://t.co/JNsYDWxzft pic.twitter.com/b3xr1xkybB |
| 2.15am GMT | 2.15am GMT |
| 02:15 | 02:15 |
| NSW Incident Alerts are warning of “round two” for Sydney, with more destructive winds, heavy rainfall and large hailstones on the way. Sutherland and Hurtsville are expected to be impacted in the next ten minutes and Sydney Airport around 1.40pm. | NSW Incident Alerts are warning of “round two” for Sydney, with more destructive winds, heavy rainfall and large hailstones on the way. Sutherland and Hurtsville are expected to be impacted in the next ten minutes and Sydney Airport around 1.40pm. |
| The thunderstorms are very much active and dangerous around Blue Mountains, Illawarra South Coast, Sydney Airport, Kurnell and Maroubra. | The thunderstorms are very much active and dangerous around Blue Mountains, Illawarra South Coast, Sydney Airport, Kurnell and Maroubra. |
| The most recent Bom update detailed severe thunderstorm warning issued at 1.10pm said that thunderstorms moving towards the northeast were forecast to affect the city, Sydney Airport and the waters off Bondi Beach by 1.35pm and Sydney Olympic Park, the Harbour Bridge and Wyong by 2.05pm. | The most recent Bom update detailed severe thunderstorm warning issued at 1.10pm said that thunderstorms moving towards the northeast were forecast to affect the city, Sydney Airport and the waters off Bondi Beach by 1.35pm and Sydney Olympic Park, the Harbour Bridge and Wyong by 2.05pm. |
| There’s also a warning in place for the Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury, Greater Newcastle and Gosford/Wyong areas. | There’s also a warning in place for the Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury, Greater Newcastle and Gosford/Wyong areas. |
| A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Central Tablelands and parts of the Mid North Coast, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands districts. | A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Central Tablelands and parts of the Mid North Coast, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands districts. |
| There will be another Bom update in an hour’s time. | There will be another Bom update in an hour’s time. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.23am GMT | at 3.23am GMT |
| 2.08am GMT | 2.08am GMT |
| 02:08 | 02:08 |
| Significant damage and likely tornado in 'disaster zone' Kurnell | Significant damage and likely tornado in 'disaster zone' Kurnell |
| Motorists are being advised to avoid Kurnell as emergency services assess the damage caused by a severe storm. | Motorists are being advised to avoid Kurnell as emergency services assess the damage caused by a severe storm. |
| Between approximately 300 and 400 emergency service workers – including Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW State Emergency Service – are currently assisting in the area. | Between approximately 300 and 400 emergency service workers – including Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW State Emergency Service – are currently assisting in the area. |
| A Westpac Life Saver Helicopter is surveying the damage from the air. | A Westpac Life Saver Helicopter is surveying the damage from the air. |
| Only emergency services are being let onto Captain Cook Drive at Elouera Road, which is closed in both directions to other vehicles. | Only emergency services are being let onto Captain Cook Drive at Elouera Road, which is closed in both directions to other vehicles. |
| A tornado is likely to have swept through the area at around 10:30am, when a wind guest of 213 km/h was reported. | A tornado is likely to have swept through the area at around 10:30am, when a wind guest of 213 km/h was reported. |
| A number of residents, particularly around Bridges Street, have been evacuated after roofs were ripped from homes. One home is reported to have collapsed, though no people were trapped. | A number of residents, particularly around Bridges Street, have been evacuated after roofs were ripped from homes. One home is reported to have collapsed, though no people were trapped. |
| Reports of a fire at the Sydney Desalination Plant on Sir Joseph Banks Drive have been disproved, but it has been evacuated, with damage to windows and panelling and significant flooding inside. Its structural integrity cannot be confirmed. | Reports of a fire at the Sydney Desalination Plant on Sir Joseph Banks Drive have been disproved, but it has been evacuated, with damage to windows and panelling and significant flooding inside. Its structural integrity cannot be confirmed. |
| Emergency services are on the scene, with one patient with a head injury, another with injuries to his arm, and a third in shock. | Emergency services are on the scene, with one patient with a head injury, another with injuries to his arm, and a third in shock. |
| Kurnell Community Sport and Recreation Club, close to the Desalination Plant, has also been evacuated. Fire and Rescue NSW HAZMAT crews are enroute. | Kurnell Community Sport and Recreation Club, close to the Desalination Plant, has also been evacuated. Fire and Rescue NSW HAZMAT crews are enroute. |
| At least two vehicles, including a Rural Fire Service support vehicle, have been reported to have tipped onto their sides, while roof sheeting from over 30 industrial units was ripped off in the high winds. | At least two vehicles, including a Rural Fire Service support vehicle, have been reported to have tipped onto their sides, while roof sheeting from over 30 industrial units was ripped off in the high winds. |
| Strong winds in Kurnell tipped a truck onto its side https://t.co/Kb2oIFDxzS #sydneystorms pic.twitter.com/zaTP2lNVk8 | Strong winds in Kurnell tipped a truck onto its side https://t.co/Kb2oIFDxzS #sydneystorms pic.twitter.com/zaTP2lNVk8 |
| Some power lines are down in the area, some of which have not been turned off by Ausgrid, and emergency services are urging residents to stay indoors. | Some power lines are down in the area, some of which have not been turned off by Ausgrid, and emergency services are urging residents to stay indoors. |
| Fire and Rescue NSW are beginning to door knock throughout the area to assess damage. If you require assistance, call 132 500 for storm damage and 000 for emergencies. | Fire and Rescue NSW are beginning to door knock throughout the area to assess damage. If you require assistance, call 132 500 for storm damage and 000 for emergencies. |
| Live footage from Kurnell which has now been declared a disaster zone. #sydneystorm https://t.co/ysHZv6vUw9 | Live footage from Kurnell which has now been declared a disaster zone. #sydneystorm https://t.co/ysHZv6vUw9 |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.09am GMT | at 2.09am GMT |
| 1.54am GMT | 1.54am GMT |
| 01:54 | 01:54 |
| A second wave of wind and strong rain has hit Bundeena, 29km south of the CBD. | A second wave of wind and strong rain has hit Bundeena, 29km south of the CBD. |
| The weather event that caused considerable damage in Kurnell is thought to be a likely tornado. | The weather event that caused considerable damage in Kurnell is thought to be a likely tornado. |
| Stunning radar signature of the #Kurnell supercell's mesocyclone, and the effect of the likely tornado on the AWS. pic.twitter.com/i2x1xBOsn9 | Stunning radar signature of the #Kurnell supercell's mesocyclone, and the effect of the likely tornado on the AWS. pic.twitter.com/i2x1xBOsn9 |
| This video posted to Instagram shows swirling debris in the air in Kurnell, around the same time. | This video posted to Instagram shows swirling debris in the air in Kurnell, around the same time. |
| A caller to 702 ABC Sydney described the storm in Kurnell as “like one of those shows you watch on pay TV about chasing storms”. He reported seeing a trampoline flying through the air about 70m “out of the blue”, and tiles knocked off the wall of his bathroom. | A caller to 702 ABC Sydney described the storm in Kurnell as “like one of those shows you watch on pay TV about chasing storms”. He reported seeing a trampoline flying through the air about 70m “out of the blue”, and tiles knocked off the wall of his bathroom. |
| 1.33am GMT | 1.33am GMT |
| 01:33 | 01:33 |
| While it’s fairly bog-standard bad weather in Sydney CBD right now, the storm is rolling into Katoomba, with Twitter user Craig Andrew Batty reporting “rain and lots of rolling thunder”. You can watch the latest loop of BOM’s radar here. | While it’s fairly bog-standard bad weather in Sydney CBD right now, the storm is rolling into Katoomba, with Twitter user Craig Andrew Batty reporting “rain and lots of rolling thunder”. You can watch the latest loop of BOM’s radar here. |
| But the Bom has confirmed that very destructive winds associated with a possible tornado have moved offshore from Bondi Beach, out to sea.. The risk of a tornado has subsided, though thunderstorms are forecast for the rest of the day. | But the Bom has confirmed that very destructive winds associated with a possible tornado have moved offshore from Bondi Beach, out to sea.. The risk of a tornado has subsided, though thunderstorms are forecast for the rest of the day. |
| There’s no conclusive evidence of a tornado having occurred, though there was certainly very destructive weather, especially in Kurnell. NSW Incident Alerts posted this picture to Facebook of damage caused by “storms and a tornado”, though there’s as yet no record of the actual weather event itself. | There’s no conclusive evidence of a tornado having occurred, though there was certainly very destructive weather, especially in Kurnell. NSW Incident Alerts posted this picture to Facebook of damage caused by “storms and a tornado”, though there’s as yet no record of the actual weather event itself. |
| Photos of the damage at #Kurnell on Tasman Street. Photos by Ed Clark. #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/9jIIHGD4wn | Photos of the damage at #Kurnell on Tasman Street. Photos by Ed Clark. #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/9jIIHGD4wn |
| Photos of the damage at #Kurnell on Tasman Street. Photos by Ed Clark. #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/VueDyDQWtR | Photos of the damage at #Kurnell on Tasman Street. Photos by Ed Clark. #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/VueDyDQWtR |
| Crews in attendance at #Kurnell to assist #Tornado photo supplied by S Goddard pic.twitter.com/1RRpKTRaOH | Crews in attendance at #Kurnell to assist #Tornado photo supplied by S Goddard pic.twitter.com/1RRpKTRaOH |
| Pictures just in to the newsroom of storm damage in Kurnell. #9News pic.twitter.com/th8IliCZtj | Pictures just in to the newsroom of storm damage in Kurnell. #9News pic.twitter.com/th8IliCZtj |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.25am GMT | at 3.25am GMT |