Thunder and hailstones to batter city after balmy start to Friday
Severe storms and showers are expected to hit the Sydney and NSW coasts on Friday afternoon, threatening severe storms and hail, as well as property damage and power outages across much of the state.
A cool change from Victoria is expected to move into NSW after lunch and storms are expected to hit Sydney from 3pm.
Heavy rain and hail could hit Sydney on Friday afternoon.Credit: Kate Geraghty
The weather system could drop temperatures by as much as 10 degrees in half an hour, and wind gusts of up to 60 mph could wipe out the balmy conditions experienced Friday morning.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Angus Hines said it would be a “very active day” for NSW. Coastal areas from Wollongong to Port Macquarie will face high risks of storms that could also damage rural properties in the state’s west.
“If these storms become severe, which looks likely to happen later today, the main danger from these storms will be large hailstones larger than two centimeters that can damage crops, cars and roofs,” Hines said.
“The risk of damage from winds exceeding 90 km/h can lead to property damage, power outages or cause you to take your trash can with you when you go to your neighbors.”
Sydney woke up to warm conditions on Friday morning, with temperatures expected to reach 32 degrees in the Sydney CBD and 34 degrees in the western suburbs before the dramatic change.
Lachlan Carlton and Jakob Stephenson have been enjoying warm spring temperatures at Avalon Beach this week. Credit: James Brickwood
Hines said Friday would be the “peak day” of severe weather conditions in Sydney, adding that “some storms” would occur along the state’s coastline on Saturday, but the most extreme conditions would move into northern NSW and southeast Queensland over the weekend.
