100km h winds in Sydney are causing chaos today
Get the Full StoryWinds gusting above 100km h have caused widespread chaos across Sydney today, delaying dozens of flights, blacking out suburbs and traffic lights, stopping trains and blocking roads.The Bureau of Meteorology recorded winds at 104km h were measured at Sydney airport just before 2pm and the highest gust was 106km h on Sydney Harbour at 11.30am, while Newcastle has registered 89km h gusts.
Gusts in excess of 100km h were also recorded around Wollongong.
The Fire & Rescue NSW building in the city has its roof blown off and around 80 people were evacuated. There were no injuries but Crown Street, Wollongong is closed.
#NSWSES responding with FRNSW - roof down in Crown St Wollongong_City. Crown Street currently closed. https: t.co KRcWpcikLc pic.twitter.com ufJ5BRLopT
NSW SES NSWSES August 18, 2017
The State Emergency Service SES says it had received more than 579 calls for help.
Busy day for our #NSWSES volunteers. 579 calls for help, mostly Illawarra, Sydney Metro. Pls be patient if calling 132500
NSW SES NSWSES August 18, 2017
#NSWSES crews responding to roof damage to residence on Princes Hwy Corrimal due to strong #wind. Stay inside & delay travel where possible. pic.twitter.com 5eI9dttBhq
NSW SES NSWSES August 18, 2017
Tens of thousands homes across Sydney had suffered blackouts. Around 43,000 homes around Cronulla and Kirawee lost power earlier today, but it has since been restored according to Ausgrid. Current problem areas include Bexley, Copacabana on the Central Coast, and Lugarno and Mortdale.
Augrid says crews are responding to nearly 400 reported hazards on electricity network, such as trees on powerlines.
Power's out to about 900 homes and businesses in parts of Lugarno and Mortdale. Emergency crews on way. Updates at https: t.co MxbaFPxBlK pic.twitter.com EM5PFmCCoN
Ausgrid Ausgrid August 18, 2017
Emergency crews working to get power back to about 3100 homes and businesses mainly around Bexley. Report outages: https: t.co MxbaFPxBlK pic.twitter.com uh1wsAwCmg
Ausgrid Ausgrid August 18, 2017
Central Coast - crews working to get power back to about 1700 homes in Copacabana, 700 in Terrigal and 1400 in Niagara Park. pic.twitter.com 6QtLmDkuYJ
Ausgrid Ausgrid August 18, 2017
Streets in Sydney's CBD were closed during lunchtime after a panel was torn off Wynyard Station in Clarence Street, hitting a man and woman who suffered minor injuries.
Another building was damaged on Liverpool Street, closing westbound lanes that have since reopened.
Another problem has just occurred in Young Street.
SYDNEY CBD: Young St closed btn Bridge St and Alfred St due to building damage. Avoid the area.
Live Traffic Sydney LiveTrafficSyd August 18, 2017
The soon-to-be-demolished AMP Tower is believed to be involved after a part of the cooling tower on the building's roof came loose. The fire brigade and police assessed the situation and said there was no further risk.
Northbound trains were halted temporarily on the Harbour Bridge after debris was blown across the tracks, but services have been restored.
Hardest hit has been Sydney airport, where dozens of flying in and out of the city have been cancelled or delayed as runways were closed with gusts exceeded 100km h.
There are delays of 90 minutes or more on some domestic and international flights.
Due to extreme winds at Syd airport, a number of flights are affected today. Please check https: t.co WqkbuuqwXJ for up to date info.
Virgin Australia VirginAustralia August 17, 2017
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