Three dead as Sydney reels from ‘storm of the century’

SYDNEY — Ferocious winds and torrential rain yesterday battered Australia’s east coast, in what is seen to be Sydney’s biggest storm this century.

Cyclone-strength winds of up to 135kmh on Monday night left three dead, while uprooting trees, crushing cars, snapping power poles and tearing off roofs and building awnings. Power was cut from more than 200,000 homes as well as three hospitals.

The state government announced that more than 80 schools will be closed today.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning yesterday afternoon, cautioning several districts to prepare themselves for locally damaging winds, torrential downpour and destructive surf.

Four thousand people, including 800 children, were stranded on the cruise ship Carnival Spirit outside Sydney Heads, as monster swells prevented the ship from entering the harbour.

With storm conditions forecast to become even worse, New South Wales State Premier Mike Baird yesterday urged workers to head home as soon as possible and asked public transport users to be patient with weather-related delays. He also advised commuters to stagger their travel today, delay unnecessary travel and avoid travelling during peak times.

A woman and two men yesterday were found dead in the town of Dungog, one of the worst-hit areas about 200km north of Sydney, the police said. Media reports described them as elderly and said they were trapped in their homes as floodwater rose.

Weatherzone senior meteorologist, Mr Brett Dutschke, said the current storm was equivalent to the cyclonic storm in 2007 in its viciousness in gale strength and torrential downpour. “One thing that stands out and pushes (this storm) beyond that one is the duration of the strong winds,” he said.

The destructive storm, which was sitting just off the coast to the north of Sydney, whipped up giant seas that closed many beaches, including the world-famous Bondi Beach.

Though the storm was forecast to ease up on Sydney today, it could continue sitting on the coast longer than expected, with fierce winds and torrential rain relentlessly pounding on the city.

The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has issued a travel advisory for Singaporeans travelling to or residing in New South Wales to follow instructions from the local authorities, monitor local news and follow the Australian State Emergency Service website at http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/ for the latest weather information.

Singaporeans are also encouraged to register with the ministry online so they can be contacted should the need arise. Those who require consular assistance may contact the MFA duty office at +65 6379 8000 or MFA_Duty_Officer [at] mfa.gov.sg. They may also contact the Singapore High Commission in Canberra at +61-(2) 6271 2000; or singhc_cbr [at] sgmfa.gov.sg. AGENCIES