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Bondi Westfield roof collapsed as massive storms cells smash NSW coast

Westfield at Bondi Junction has been evacuated after its roof partially collapsed in heavy rains that fell across Sydney and NSW, bringing a tornado through one town.

The downpour flooded through the east Sydney shopping centre's roof causing a partial collapse above the Zara store.

Westfield was evacuated of shoppers, people filing out into the weather and flooding streets.


There have been 311 calls for assistance across the state, the State Emergency Service said, with the majority coming from the Sutherland and Randwick areas which include Kurnell and Cronulla.

Sutherland, Randwick, the Illawarra and the South Coast have been the worst hit areas.

There have already been seven flood water rescues with the SES again reminding people to avoid driving through flood waters.

Kurnell was declared a disaster zone and 800 homes are without power after a massive storm brought a tornado through the area.

Cricket-ball sized hailstones, heavy rains and winds slammed parts of Sydney and the South Coast, leaving a path of destruction full of dangers for residents and responding emergency crews.

A second wave of storm cells followed within an hour, hitting the Blue Mountains, the Wollongong area and Nowra as well as Gosford and the Central Coast.

Homes and infrastructure in and around Kurnell were damaged and 800 homes left without power.



Kurnell Public School was severely battered with a tree smashing into one building and roof ripped off another.

Ausgrid has warned people to avoid driving, as there were powerlines down in the area.

At least one person was injured when the storm cell passed over Sydney's Desalination Plant at Kurnell, causing extensive damage to parts of the plant.

Sutherland Hospital was partially evacuated following a loss of power.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:


  • Move your car under cover or away from trees.

  • Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.

  • Keep clear of fallen power lines.

  • Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.

  • Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.

  • If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.

  • Unplug computers and appliances.

  • Avoid using the phone during the storm.

  • Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.

For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.

Morning news break - December 16