Crane collapses,delaying trains,as damaging wind and hail hit Sydney

A crane has collapsed near a Sydney train station and 500,000 lightning strikes have been detected in NSW on Wednesday as an unstable weather system makes its way across the state.

Trains came to a standstill at Fairfield train station about 5pm after a severe thunderstorm damaged a crane at a building site. Police evacuated a nearby nursing home,unit block and pub as a precaution.

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The issue affected the T2 line with trains not running between Granville and Canley Vale.

“Delay travel if possible or consider using other transport,” a statement from Sydney Trains said.

Both the T4 and T2 lines were also affected on Wednesday afternoon with equipment damaged at Blacktown and power supply issues at Hurstville.

Flights in and out of Sydney were also affected by the storm.

“Due to storm activity,there have been some flight delays,cancellations and diversions,” a statement from Sydney Airport said.

“We encourage passengers to check with their airline regarding the status of their flight.”

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning just before 6pm on Wednesday for most of eastern NSW.

The alert warned of “giant hail” and possible destructive winds.

“An upper-level low over southeast NSW is maintaining unstable conditions across much of eastern NSW this afternoon and evening,” the alert said.

The rain in Sydney,which is set to ease on Thursday,comes amid severe flooding in the state’s south.

Twelve flood rescues were conducted across 16 hours on Tuesday.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said members on the ground were prepared to assist with flooding set to continue in the state’s south over the coming days.

“Flash flooding and riverine flooding is likely,and I would encourage the public to follow the advice of emergency service personnel on the ground and to not drive through floodwater,” he said.

“We know flash flooding can bring debris and sewage over the road,and you just don’t know what damage to the road lies beneath the surface.”

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