Huge Sydney river breaks its banks causing wild flooding as towns are hammered with 300mm downpour
- Parramatta ferry terminal completely flooded, with services cancelled
- Locals are in disbelief at the sheer volume of rain, which has been unrelenting
- BOM experts predicting winds averaging 70km/h with gusts exceeding 90km/h
One of Sydney’s most important rivers had flooded a ferry terminal, leaving commuters scrambling to find another mode of public transport.
The Parramatta ferry terminal is completely flooded after breaking its banks, with services to and from the area cancelled indefinitely.
Across other parts of NSW, the rainfall is up to 300mm is some parts.
Locals who live in close proximity to the Parramatta River, in Sydney’s west, said conditions are unprecedented.
Incredible scenes at the Parramatta ferry terminal, with all services cancelled indefinitely
The Parramatta River seen breaking its banks on Saturday in unrelenting wet weather
Definitely no ferries for commuters on Saturday, with more rain forecast across the state of NSW
‘The entire bike path looks like it has been swallowed up,’ Leanne Roberts told Daily Mail Australia.
‘It is incredible to see the amount of rain at the moment, I actually can’t believe it.’
Rain has hammered the Harbour City in recent days, but the deluge arriving on Saturday will be on another level, experts from the Bureau of Meteorology predicted.
The bureau warned of intense rainfall ‘potentially leading to life-threatening flash flooding’ and damaging winds averaging 60-70km/h with gusts exceeding 90km/h.
The Parramatta River has already reached dangerous levels, with residents encouraged to stay indoors and be prepared to evacuate if contacted by emergency services.
More than 30 homes in Sydney have been reportedly damaged, with that figure set to rise significantly by the end of the weekend.
In Chester Hill, also in Sydney’s west, a storm has left many homes destroyed or in need of urgent repairs.
Dubbed a ‘mini tornado’ by NSW Fire and Rescue, the storm saw a large tree felled and countless homes damaged.
‘Fire and Rescue Macarthur and Wollondilly crews are on scene in Chester Hill where a mini Tornado has left a trail of destruction damaging multiple properties,’ an emergency responder tweeted.
‘Crews are working to remove trees, tarp roofs and conduct rapid impact assessments.’
Parramatta River overflows and floods due to continuous and heavy rain on March 20
Locals were stunned to see the Parramatta River break its banks following the heavy rain across NSW
How the walkways usually look on the serene Parramatta River in Sydney’s west