Australia storm cells
© Bureau of MeteorologyA BoM image showing storm cells over parts of Australia on 29 January
Thousands of Sydneysiders are without power after a fierce thunderstorm lashed the city, complete with torrential downpours and dangerous wind gusts of more than 100km/h.

It's the second day of wild weather for Sydney, with a dangerous storm cell battering much of NSW this afternoon. Sydney's west copped it first, complete with damaging winds, heavy rain and even hail.

The Bureau of Meteorology, which labelled the storm cell "very dangerous" said Toongabbie recorded 30mm of rain in just 10 minutes about 4.50pm. Strathfield was also drenched, with about 36mm of rain in 15 minutes, as wild winds battered the west.

Wind gusts of up to 98km/h were recorded at Badgerys Creek, before the wild weather shifted toward the inner city.

Sydney Airport recorded winds of up to 107km/h this evening as winds and rain lashed the CBD, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Airport Sydney Olympic Park and Ryde.

The eastern suburbs and inner west were also lashed by the heavy rains, with the BoM warning of possible flash flooding.


The dangerous storm cell downed trees and powerlines across Sydney's west, plunging about 50,000 homes into darkness.

The State Emergency Services has been called to more than 100 jobs across the west, including calls for felled trees and dangerous powerlines. There were also reports of flood rescue call out at Arncliffe, Marrickville, Revesby and Greenacre.

Some traffic signals remain blacked out or flashing yellow in Miranda, Wahroonga, Baulkham Hills, Minto, Liverpool, St Clair and Rouse Hill.

Some train, bus and ferry services are also running late due to the wild weather. Commuters are urged to leave additional time.

It was the second day of wild weather for Sydney.


Friday's storms triggered more than 350 calls for help and cut power to more than 40,000 homes.

Endeavour Energy said 16,000 homes experienced power outages across Sydney's west yesterday, while a further 20,000 Ausgrid customers were without power.

Flooding sparked at least three rescue calls, with State Emergency Service crews swooping on a Sydney family of four whose car was overcome yesterday afternoon.

Queensland was also battered with a deadly thunderstorm last night.

Police say a 68-year-old Narangba man was struck by the branch at a caravan park on Charlton Esplanade in Scarness in the Hervey Bay area at around 7.30pm yesterday.

He was taken to Hervey Bay Hospital but died on arrival.