A severe thunderstorm has devastated Sydney, bringing the airport, public transport and sporting events to an abrupt halt.
An unstable air mass combined with an upper trough brought wild weather to much of NSW on Wednesday night.
Damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rains not only devastated the country Sydney but also the Hunter, the Mid North Coast, Illawarra, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands Forecast Districts.
So far, gusts in excess of 100km/h have been reported at Sydney Airport, Kurnell, Scone, Murrurindi Gap, Tamworth, Merriwa, Dubbo, Mullion, Bombala, Trangie, Cowra, Walgett, Cabrumurra and Wagga Wagga.
Sydney Airport has temporarily grounded all flights. It is not known when they will resume.
Arriving flights have been diverted to others airports and departing aircraft have returned to their gates.
Power outages also brought light rail services between City Hall and Circular Quay to a standstill due to a power outage.
Stranded commuters were advised to walk or use alternative transportation.
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of NSW as high winds, large hailstones and flash flooding sweep the state
A heavy thunderstorm hit Sydney around 8pm on Wednesday. The photo shows the affected areas
The Bureau of Meteorology has advised residents of the affected areas to stay indoors and unplug
Several train stations are also without power after a day of rail chaos, including Lidcombe, Cabramatta and Flemington.
Wild weather also disrupted the A-League Women’s match between Sydney FC and Canberra United at Leichhardt Oval after a blackout hit the pitch.
Affected areas are also at risk of flash flooding, the Bureau of Meteorology warned.
Areas most likely to experience flooding are Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Parramatta, Armidale and Tamworth.
Thunderstorms stopped the round nine A-League Women’s match between Sydney FC and Canberra United at Leichhardt Oval after a blackout hit the pitch
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned those in the worst affected areas to brace for flash flooding as the storm rages on.