Sydney has been thrown into chaos on Monday evening as a violent storm grounds flights and causes major delays for traffic.
The weather office alerted Sydney airport of an incoming storm cell around 5.15pm before thunderstorms and heavy rain began to pound the city, halting flights.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued several updated 'severe thunderstorm' warnings on Monday evening, warned the system was headed north-east and likely to bring flash flooding.
Passengers at Sydney airport took to social media to report being told the airport was 'closed due to storms' around 5.20pm.
Sydney has been thrown into chaos on Monday evening as a violent storm grounds flights and causes major delays for traffic
Flights at Sydney airport were severely impacted by a violent storm that hit the city's south and moved north from around 4.15pm on Monday
A Sydney airport spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that while airport is not officially closed, some airlines have delayed flights.
'Our best advice is to check in with your airline to see if your flight is affected,' the spokesperson said.
It is understood individual airline captains make the call on whether to proceed - and many have taken a cautious approach with the city under siege from the storm.
The weather office said Camden Airport recorded 51mm of rain in just 30 minutes before 4.45pm and by 6pm had recorded over 70mm - equivalent to a month's rain in under two hours.
Streets in Sydney's west and south-west were quickly inundated as stormwater drains struggled to cope with the downpour, blowing out the journey home for commuters.
The heavy rain caused flooding across the city, including at Milperra where several vehicles were stranded on the M5
ROSEHILL: 2 of 3 lanes closed in both directions of James Ruse Drive at Grand Pde/Hassall St due to flooding & car breakdowns. Avoid the area or allow plenty of extra travel time. pic.twitter.com/wNrTlf58R7
— Live Traffic Sydney (@LiveTrafficSyd) January 30, 2023Flash flooding at Rosehill caused traffic chaos in both directions for drivers after 6pm.
Two of three lanes were closed in both directions of James Ruse Drive at Grand Parade/Hassall Street due to flooding and car breakdowns.
At Granville, Woodville Road was closed in both directions between Crescent Street and Wallace Street due to flooding.
As the storm moved north, roads went underwater at Artarmon.
Two out of four northbound lanes of the Gore Hill Freeway were closed due to flooding.
Meanwhile at least four cars were stranded on the M5 motorway off-ramp at Milperra, in western Sydney according to 9News.
More to come
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