Deadly Storms Batter NSW — One Man Killed, Tens of Thousands Lose Power, Sydney Train Services Hit

Tragedy and chaos as storms sweep through NSW

Severe storms sweeping across New South Wales have left at least one man dead, with widespread damage, power outages and mass disruption to public transport. A 76-year-old man was killed after being struck by a falling tree in Glenworth Valley on the Central Coast. Authorities confirmed that the storm’s destructive winds—gusting up to 119 km/h—brought chaos to homes, roads and rail infrastructure.

Emergency services across the state have been inundated with reports of downed trees, damaged roofs, fallen power lines and blocked roads. As crews scramble to restore order, residents are urged to stay indoors where possible and avoid any fallen debris or damaged structures.

Massive power outages hit Sydney and beyond

The violent weather knocked out electricity to thousands — with reports suggesting over 100,000 homes were without power at peak. The outages affected a broad swath of areas from Greater Sydney to the Central Coast and Western Sydney, leaving many without lights, heating/air-conditioning or refrigeration in the middle of dangerous conditions.

Power companies and emergency crews are working through the night to restore supply, but warnings remain in place about downed power lines, unstable structures, and the risks of returning too early to damaged properties.

Commuters face chaos: Sydney train network crippled

The storms have also wreaked havoc on Sydney’s public transport. Leading into the evening commute, train services were heavily disrupted — with major delays and cancellations across several lines. In many cases, trains between key stations were suspended, and replacement bus services have been laid on as crews attempt to clear debris and restore power.

For many commuters, the sudden shutdown has turned a routine journey home into a chaotic scramble — with authorities warning that travel may remain unreliable until power and infrastructure are fully restored.

Storm aftermath: damage, disruption and warnings

Beyond power and transport disruption, the storms have caused extensive property damage: roofs torn off, walls collapsed, trees uprooted, and scattered debris posing ongoing risk to residents. The state’s emergency services have already logged hundreds of calls for assistance.

Meanwhile, weather forecasters are warning that more wild weather — including strong winds, hail and possible fire-danger conditions due to rising temperatures — could follow in coming days, urging residents to remain vigilant and prepare accordingly.

What to do if you’re affected

• Stay away from fallen trees, power lines or damaged structures — assume they remain dangerous until inspected by professionals.
• Avoid unnecessary travel, especially on public transport — check updates from your transport provider before leaving.
• If you’ve lost power, limit opening refrigerators, and avoid using candles or heaters that might cause fire risks.
• Follow advice from emergency services and local authorities — monitor alerts for possible fire danger, further storms or evacuation orders.

These storms are a stark reminder of how quickly weather can turn dangerous — and how extensive the fallout can be. With loss of life, widespread outages, transport failures and structural damage, communities across NSW face a challenging recovery. For now, safety and caution remain paramount.