Massive rain dump on Sydney leads to flash flooding and rescue operations

"Flash flooding is a real risk and can occur quickly, without much warning. We urge people to steer clear of floodwaters and never drive through a flooded road regardless of how safe you think it may be."

"There were 42 rescues in Sydney overnight into Friday, with more than 250 personnel across the city responding to about 500 calls for assistance, particularly in the south-west, NSW State Emergency Service said."

"It was especially severe in Fairfield, about 30km from the city centre, where six people were rescued after becoming stranded by rising floodwaters on Vine street. A few streets over, about a dozen properties were evacuated due to flood water inundating homes on Spring street."

Sydney endured intense flash flooding after more than 100mm of rain fell within three hours, triggering widespread evacuations and rescue operations. Emergency services responded to approximately 500 calls for assistance, conducting 42 rescues with over 250 personnel deployed across the city. The flooding was particularly severe in Fairfield, southwest of the city centre, where six people were rescued from rising floodwaters on Vine Street and a dozen properties were evacuated on Spring Street. Major arterial roads including Anzac Bridge and Parramatta Road experienced significant congestion and closures. The Bureau of Meteorology predicted additional rainfall of 15-70mm on Friday with thunderstorms expected before conditions ease ahead of Saturday's Mardi Gras parade. Other Australian regions also experienced severe weather, with Birdsville in Queensland receiving nearly 60% of its annual rainfall in a single day.

Read at www.theguardian.com