Sydney reels under torrential downpours

MORE than 130 millimetres of rain has drenched Sydney over the past 24 hours, creating transport mayhem and forcing people from their homes.

By InvestSMART · 9 Mar 2012

By InvestSMART ·
9 Mar 2012

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MORE than 130 millimetres of rain has drenched Sydney over the past 24 hours, creating transport mayhem and forcing people from their homes.

Chaos on the roads had fire and rescue teams answering 18 road accidents in the seven hours to midday. There were delays on nine of Sydney's 16 main railway lines, while flights from Sydney Airport were delayed or cancelled. Two northbound lanes on the main deck of the Sydney Harbour Bridge were closed for emergency repairs. In Sydney's south-west, about 20 people were evacuated from a retirement village at Austral. The SES said there had been more than 700 call for help.

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

How much rain drenched Sydney in the last 24 hours?

More than 130 millimetres of rain fell across Sydney over the past 24 hours, triggering widespread disruption and forcing some people from their homes.

How did the torrential downpours affect Sydney road and rail transport?

The storms caused transport mayhem: fire and rescue teams attended 18 road accidents in the seven hours to midday, and there were delays on nine of Sydney’s 16 main railway lines.

Were flights at Sydney Airport impacted by the heavy rain?

Yes. Flights from Sydney Airport were delayed or cancelled as a result of the severe weather and associated disruptions.

Did the Sydney Harbour Bridge suffer any storm-related problems?

Two northbound lanes on the main deck of the Sydney Harbour Bridge were closed for emergency repairs during the downpours.

How many emergency calls did responders receive during the storm?

The SES reported it had received more than 700 calls for help during the severe weather event.

Were any evacuations necessary because of the flooding?

Yes. In Sydney’s south-west, about 20 people were evacuated from a retirement village at Austral as a precaution.

Which emergency services were active during the Sydney downpours?

The report notes activity from fire and rescue teams responding to road accidents and the SES handling a large volume of calls for help; emergency crews also carried out repairs and evacuations where needed.

What should everyday investors note about extreme weather and local infrastructure disruption?

The heavy rain shows how extreme weather can quickly disrupt transport links, flights and local communities. Everyday investors may want to be aware of short-term impacts on commuting, business operations and local services when assessing investments exposed to regional infrastructure or weather-related risks.