A Sydney suburb was labeled a disaster zone after a tornado ripped through its southern beaches with golf-sized hail stones and rattling winds that caused tremendous damage to the neighborhood.
The disaster toll already looks steep: over 10,000 homes and around 7,000 businesses have been left without electricity. State Emergency Service (SES) has received at least 160 calls out.
Heavy winds have torn roofs from houses, triggering evacuations in Sydney.
One of the biggest evacuations took place at the desalination plant in Kurnell. Staff was told to leave the Caltex refinery immediately, after it suffered significant damage from the storm.
Flooding in #kingsford #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/MGBx4IyVzy
โ Marilyn Hetreles (@marilynhetreles) December 16, 2015
Part of the roof collapsed at the Shoppers at Westfield mall in Bondi Junction, causing flooding and forcing quick evacuations. The major shopping center remains closed.
"There is flooding and people are being moved out of the mall," Conor McGuinness told The Australian.
Flights are being delayed at Sydney's airport, according to an airport spokeswoman.
In another shocking moment, a palm tree caught fire when it was struck by lightning in Sydney.
Some of the photos posted online show flipped and damaged cars, as well as flooded streets with random objects blown by the winds.
Extensive damage to homes on Prince Charles Pde, Kurnell, after tornado like winds #sydneystorm pic.twitter.com/8JgiLpUfdT
โ Ashlee Mullany (@AshleeMullany) December 16, 2015
Social media users had posted pictures of ominous-looking dark grey clouds, resembling movie scenes from the end of the world, prior to the storm lashing out.
Some HUMONGOUS hail out there #SydneyStorm (pic via @rebeccamurphy) pic.twitter.com/Yzt34TFXRt
โ Simon Crerar (@simoncrerar) December 16, 2015
The freakishly strong winds have now moved offshore from Bondi Beach, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. However, a severe thunderstorm warning is still in effect for parts of Sydney and New South Wales.
More storm outbreaks are expected throughout the day.
Comment: "It is so very rare to get a tornado inside Sydney, much less a strong tornado," a Bureau of Meteorology spokesman said before confirming, "That is the fastest speed that has been recorded in NSW history."
Just a small selection of other 'rare' tornadoes from around the world this year, include those from the United States, Northern Ireland, England, Australia, Hawaii and India.
See also: SOTT Earth Changes Summary - November 2015: Extreme Weather, Planetary Upheaval, Meteor Fireballs
To gain further understanding as to how and why these events are occurring, read:
Earth Changes and the Human Cosmic Connection: The Secret History of the World - Book 3 by Pierre Lescaudron
and Laura Knight-Jadczyk