Sydney Storms: Thousands Without Power as Rain Continues to Lash NSW
NSW Premier Mike Baird, in his media conference few hours ago issued a warning to all Sydneysiders. He said: "There is an expectation as the cell moves south from the Hunter down towards Sydney there could be an increase in winds. At the moment winds are averaging close to 100km/h or we are seeing peaks up to 100km/h averaging across the State. That could increase between now and midnight as the cells come together. That is why we are saying to everyone, where possible, from the Illawarra all the way through to Newcastle and Newcastle in particular where the cell is expected to be most severe, please take the opportunity to get home as quickly and as safely as you can."
Three people have been confirmed dead. A woman and two men, all believed to be elderly, reportedly died in their homes in Dungog as water surged through the town, after more than 300mm of rain fell in 24 hours.
Authorities have also warned the 200,000 homes and businesses without power might not be reconnected to the grid until tomorrow. About 100,000 of those blackouts are in the Newcastle and Hunter regions, with a further 70,000 in the Central Coast and 30,000 in Sydney.
