Thunderstorm, lightning strikes cause chaos throughout Sydney
Wild weather in Sydney shut down the airport for hours while lightning strikes damaged train lines, started a house fire and nearly struck a man.
A severe thunderstorm warning left passengers stranded at Sydney airport on Monday afternoon, with domestic flights delayed by more than two-hours, international flights delayed by three-hours and some incoming flights forced to find alternate routes.
Passengers at Sydney airport also complained of being stuck on planes that had already landed for long periods of time, with lightning strikes being considered too great a risk for ground staff to be out in the open.
"We're managing delays at the moment, people [are] advised to speak to their own airlines," a Sydney airport spokesperson told Yahoo7.
Meanwhile, a lightning strike was suspected of starting a house fire in Huntleys Point, with flames erupting at the height of the storm this afternoon.
There are also reports that a man was nearly struck by lightning at Church Point, he was suffering chest pains when emergency services arrived and was taken to Mona Vale Hospital.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning earlier today, with damaging winds and large hailstones expected to pelt the NSW Mid North Coast.
@Inverinbeag As you said, safety is always our first priority! Thanks for your patience and understanding.
— Sydney Airport ✈️ (@SydneyAirport) December 5, 2016
Little bit grounded at Sydney Airport.. pic.twitter.com/OpPoaT9d9M
— Tristan Hart (@TristanHart) December 5, 2016
Stuck Kangaroo's #SydneyAirport pic.twitter.com/SZtBQJaR4B
— tom (@tomwoodau) December 5, 2016
The storm was felt all over the city with commuters struggling to navigate a public transport system struggling due to the storm.
Lightning strikes have damaged train equipment in western Sydney and thrown peak hour services off track.
Sydney motorists were also delayed after severe storms cut power to traffic signals across the city.
Sydney trains overflowing after storm causes delays #nswtransport #nswtrains #STORMSEASON pic.twitter.com/hFbsmNVKP5
— Jai McAllister (@McAllisterJai) December 5, 2016
#lightning pummels #Sydney northern beaches #storm pic.twitter.com/XaC33ySoD9
— Nick Moir (@nampix) December 5, 2016