Heavy rains lashed southeastern Australia on Friday, with the equivalent of almost a month's rainfall falling in Sydney and prompting flood warnings, with authorities urging people to avoid non-essential travel and stay indoors. Reuters.
Sydney, home to more than 5 million people, saw 111mm of rain in the 24 hours to Friday morning, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. This is slightly less than the average rainfall of 121.5 mm for the month of April.
Rain could increase on Friday with up to 200mm in some regions before an area of relatively low pressure moves east towards the Tasman Sea on Saturday, the Met Office said.
"This is a significant weather event ... it is most important not to take unnecessary risks at this time," New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said on television.
Heavy rain has damaged equipment at a major train station in Sydney, delaying morning commuters.
Rescue teams in New South Wales received more than 500 calls and seven people were rescued from the floods. Warnings were issued for several rivers in the eastern part of the country.
Warragamba Reservoir, which provides 80% of Sydney's water supply and is currently at about 96% of capacity, could overflow on Monday after the storm subsides, officials said.