Severe storm, Hail, and heavy rain hammer NSW

Sydney has been absolutely smashed by storms, with a massive 52mm of rain dumping down in just 90 minutes over the CBD. The east coast was hit hard by a powerful rain bomb, bringing flash floods, huge hailstones, and destructive winds across New South Wales.

Sydney Turns Into a Waterlogged Mess

The Bureau of Meteorology had warned that Wednesday would be an "unsettled" day—and they weren’t wrong. Thunderstorms rolled in, soaking parts of the Inner West, CBD, and eastern suburbs.

Some of the worst-hit areas included:

Horsley Park – 77.6mm of rain in just one hour

Strathfield & Parramatta – Roads turned into rivers, causing traffic chaos

Riverstone – Knee-high floodwaters

The wild weather wasn’t just limited to Sydney. Wollongong, Goulburn, Wagga Wagga, Mudgee, and Orange all copped the brunt of the storms.

Hailstorm Turns NSW Town Into an Ice Rink

Over in Harden, about 125km from Canberra, the town was slammed by extra-large hailstones during a sudden flash storm. The roads looked like a winter wonderland, covered in sleet, with trucks brought in to clear the ice.

Local councillor Michelle Gallo described the damage:"Most shops are severely water-damaged, our post office has smashed windows and leaks everywhere."

More Storms Coming?

The NSW SES is urging people in Liverpool, Fairfield, Penrith, Camden, and Parramatta to stay indoors as heavy rain continues. So far, Mount Palmers has seen 45mm of rain, while Goulburn has had 28mm.

And while tomorrow is expected to be a little calmer, meteorologist Miriam Bradbury warns that storms aren’t done yet.

"Heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and large hail will remain a risk across the east, including parts of Queensland," she said.

So, if you're in the affected areas, keep an umbrella (or a boat) handy, and stay safe out there!