Submitted by: M Mulukin
Huge Sydney river breaks its banks causing wild flooding as towns are hammered with 300mm downpour
- Ferry terminal on Parramatta River completely flooded, with services cancelled
- Locals are in disbelief at the sheer volume of rain, which has been unrelenting
- BOM experts predicting winds averaging 70km/h with gusts exceeding 90km/h
One of Sydney's most important rivers has broken its banks after wild flooding, leaving weekend commuters stranded.
The ferry terminal on the Parramatta River, in Sydney's west, is completely flooded, with services to and from the area cancelled indefinitely.
Across other parts of NSW, the forecast rainfall is up to 300mm in the lower Blue Mountains over the next 24 hours.
Locals who live in close proximity to the Parramatta River said conditions are unprecedented after the banks were broken between Charles Street weir and the ferry wharf.
Incredible scenes at the Parramatta ferry terminal, with all services cancelled indefinitely
The Parramatta River seen breaking its banks on Saturday in unrelenting wet weather
Definitely no ferries for commuters on Saturday, with more rain forecast across the state of NSW
The swollen Parramatta River in Sydney's west following an avalanche of rain on Saturday
'The entire bike path looks like it has been swallowed up,' Leanne Roberts told Daily Mail Australia.
'It is incredible to see the amount of rain at the moment, I actually can't believe it.'
Rain has hammered the Harbour City in recent days, but the deluge on Saturday will be on another level, experts from the Bureau of Meteorology predicted.
The bureau warned of intense rainfall 'potentially leading to life-threatening flash flooding' and 'damaging winds averaging 60-70km/h with gusts exceeding 90km/h.'
The Parramatta River has already reached dangerousLy high water levels, with residents encouraged to stay indoors and be prepared to evacuate if contacted by emergency services.
More than 30 homes in Sydney have been reportedly damaged, with that figure set to rise significantly by the end of the weekend.
In Chester Hill, also in Sydney's west, a storm has left many homes destroyed or in need of urgent repairs on Saturday.
Dubbed a 'mini tornado' by NSW Fire and Rescue, the storm saw a large tree fall and countless homes damaged.
'Fire and Rescue Macarthur and Wollondilly crews are on scene in Chester Hill where a mini Tornado has left a trail of destruction damaging multiple properties,' an emergency responder tweeted.
'Crews are working to remove trees, tarp roofs and conduct rapid impact assessments.'
The Parramatta River is looking very different at the moment after a heavy recent downpour
Barricades were set up at the ferry terminal after the breaking of banks on the Parramatta River
Locals were stunned to see the Parramatta River break its banks following the heavy rain across NSW
How the serene Parramatta River in Sydney's west usually looks before being subjected to flash flooding
Motorists have been advised to slow down and stay home, with driving through flooded roads discouraged.
Sydney’s main water source, the Warragamba Dam, is tipped to overflow for the first time in five years as heavy rainfall continues to bucket down.
'We are expecting the Warragamba Dam to spill this afternoon and this will then combine with river flows from the Upper Nepean and also the Grose River and the other local tributaries,' Bureau of Meteorology Flood Operations Manager Justin Robinson told The Australian.
The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed earlier on Saturday the Dam has already reached 99 per cent capacity.
WHAT YOU CAN DO DURING A FLOOD TO AID YOUR SURVIVAL
*Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater
*Stack possessions, records, stock or equipment on benches and tables, placing electrical items on top
*Secure objects that are likely to float and cause damage
*Relocate waste containers, chemicals and poisons well above floor level
*Keep listening to your local radio station for information, updates and advice
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