A severe thunderstorm has smashed Sydney, bringing the airport, public transport and sporting fixtures to an abrupt halt.
An unstable airmass combined with an upper trough produced wild weather across large swathes of NSW on Wednesday night.
Damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall smashed not only Sydney but also the Hunter, the Mid North Coast, Illawarra, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands Forecast Districts.
Wind gusts exceeding 100km/h have so far been reported in Sydney Airport, Kurnell, Scone, Murrurindi Gap, Tamworth, Merriwa, Dubbo, Mullion, Bombala, Trangie, Cowra, Walgett, Cabrumurra and Wagga Wagga.
Sydney Airport has temporarily grounded all flights. It’s not known when they will resume.
Arriving flights have diverted to other airports and departing aircraft have returned to their gates.
Power outrages also brought light rail services to a halt between Town Hall and Circular Quay due to a power outage.
Commuters are advised to walk or use alternative transport.
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of NSW as severe winds, large hailstones and flash flooding engulf the state


The Bureau of Meteorology has advised residents living in the affected areas to remain inside and to unplug household electronics
Multiple train stations are also without power after a day of rail chaos, including Lidcombe, Cabramatta and Flemington.
The wild weather also disrupted A-League Women’s match between Sydney FC and Canberra United at Leichhardt Oval after a blackout hit the pitch.
Impacted areas are also at risk of flash flooding, the Bureau of Meteorology warned.
Areas most likely to experience flooding include Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Parramatta, Armidale and Tamworth.

The thunderstorm halted the round nine A-League Women’s match between Sydney FC and Canberra United at Leichhardt Oval after a blackout hit the pitch

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned those in the worst affected areas to brace for flash flooding as the storm rages on
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