Sydney braces for “Once-in-50-Year” storm as flights cancelled and massive swells hit

A powerful and rare weather system described as a “once-in-50-year” event has battered Sydney, causing widespread disruption, flight cancellations, and dangerous coastal conditions expected to intensify through the weekend, as reported by 9News. The storm, driven by an offshore low-pressure system, has brought heavy rain, damaging winds, hail, and unusually cold temperatures across New South Wales. Operations at Sydney Airport were heavily affected, with at least 50 domestic arrivals and 40 departures cancelled or delayed due to strong winds. The disruption extended to Melbourne, where more t

A powerful and rare weather system described as a “once-in-50-year” event has battered Sydney, causing widespread disruption, flight cancellations, and dangerous coastal conditions expected to intensify through the weekend, as reported by 9News. The storm, driven by an offshore low-pressure system, has brought heavy rain, damaging winds, hail, and unusually cold temperatures across New South Wales. Operations at Sydney Airport were heavily affected, with at least 50 domestic arrivals and 40 departures cancelled or delayed due to strong winds. The disruption extended to Melbourne, where more than 40 flights were also grounded, particularly those connecting to Sydney. Airlines including Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar were forced to adjust schedules, while public transport in Sydney was temporarily halted and thousands of homes lost power. 9News further reports that authorities have issued urgent warnings over dangerous ocean conditions, with swells expected to reach between seven and 11 metres and winds exceeding 100km/h. The Surf Life Saving NSW described the situation as “hazardous and ferocious,” warning that some rescue operations may not be possible due to the extreme surf. A damaging surf warning remains in place, with risks including coastal erosion, flooding, and life-threatening rip currents. Emergency response teams have been stretched, with the New South Wales State Emergency Service handling 591 incidents within 24 hours, 9News reports. These incidents included fallen trees, damaged homes, and blocked roads, particularly in suburbs like Hornsby, where strong winds uprooted trees and trapped residents inside their homes, requiring rescue operations. The report also highlights unusual weather patterns, including early snowfall in alpine areas such as Perisher Ski Resort and Thredbo, months ahead of the normal season. In Victoria, temperatures dropped sharply, with Mt Hotham experiencing below-zero conditions and significant snowfall as reported by 9news. Meteorologists told 9News that while wind conditions may begin to ease slightly by Saturday, dangerous surf and coastal risks are expected to persist throughout the weekend. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors during strong winds, avoid coastal areas, secure loose objects, and stay clear of trees and powerlines as the severe weather continues.