Sydney is being been smashed by a wild storm which has cancelled planes and brought down trees.
The weather radar over the international and domestic airports showed a band of intense rain moving in from the west as thunder rang out and lightening lit up the night sky.
The storm swept through at around 7.30pm after earlier warnings.
“Passengers should check with their airline about flights, with some planes turning around due to the dangerous weather,” an airport spokesperson said.
“Due to storm activity, there have been some flight delays, cancellations and diversions.
“We encourage passengers to check with their airline regarding the status of their flight.”
Earlier there was a report of a large tree branch falling on an apartment in Waterloo in the city’s inner south.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said while storms have eased, they may return.
“Severe thunderstorms in the warning area have temporarily eased,” the BoM said.
“However, the redevelopment of severe thunderstorms remains possible. The situation is being closely monitored and further detailed warnings will be issued as necessary.”
Earlier, storms were set to hit areas in the NSW Southern Highlands, with the tourist spots of Gerroa, Berry, Robertson and the area just east of Bowral warned of storms and heavy rain.
Wollongong, Kiama, Bowral and the Nattai Tablelands as well as Camden, Campbelltown, Picton and Bulli were also in the firing line.
Then the wild weather hit the Sydney city area, Hunter, Illawarra and Central NSW.
Wind gusts close to 100km and hour have been recorded in regional parts of the state, the SES said.
They include a 98 km/h wind gust recorded at Cobar Airport at 2.55pm.
