BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES: BoM Issues Severe Tornado Warning For Sydney

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a tornado warning on Wednesday, but is yet to confirm whether the storm was tornado-strength. Sydney airport was closely monitoring the storm activity with passengers being advised to check flight details with their airlines, an airport spokeswoman said. Risky thunderstorms were forecast to affect the city, Sydney Olympic Park, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and waters off Bondi Beach, it said.

The BoM stated that the destructive winds were among the fastest ever recorded in Sydney and which have now proceeded offshore from Bondi Beach after hitting Kurnell.

A severe weather warning was issued for areas north of Sydney as the storm moved up the coast.

Emergency services are responding to multiple reports of building collapses, including businesses and residential properties.

The warning came at 10.30am as the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) confirmed wind gusts greater than 200km/h at Kurnell.

A tornado brought a wind guest over 200 kilometres an hour.

He said there was a potential for hail throughout Sydney.

Mr Webb said there would be destructive winds throughout Sydney throughout the day with temperatures of 25°C for the city and 28° for the west.

Flash flooding may occur across Gosford, Sydney, Wollongong and the NSW south coast areas, the Bureau of Meteorology said.

Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony. Qantas has delayed some flights until the storm clears up, a Qantas spokesman said.

It also said to avoid using phones during the storm, stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors.

If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.

“As the morning progresses the risk becomes more general, all of Sydney will be at risk of severe storms by later in the morning”.