Huge thunderstorms may disrupt the Invictus Games opening ceremony
NSW has been warned to brace for severe weekend thunderstorms.
The Bureau of Meteorology says storm activity is expected to form on Saturday afternoon across central and southern parts of NSW, including Sydney.
There’s a chance the storms will interrupt some of the major events happening in Sydney on Saturday including the Invictus Games opening ceremony and extreme sports event X Games at Homebush, the bureau said.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are currently visiting Australia in part to open the games, which Harry created.
The thunderstorms are forecast to move to the state’s northeast on Sunday while other parts of NSW may experience heavy rainfall.
“Due to the speed, volatility and potential impacts of thunderstorms it is recommended people pay particular attention to warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology and other emergency agencies,” BOM NSW/ACT weather services manager Jake Phillips said in a statement.
Severe #storms forecast over much of eastern #NSW on Saturday. Storms can develop rapidly and move quickly, so keep an eye out for warnings tomorrow at https://t.co/Q8qMp2UFYL pic.twitter.com/yNPfcM5k8E
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) October 19, 2018
Between 20-40 millimetres of rain is also forecast for Sydney, Wollongong, Orange and Cabramurra, according to Weatherzone.
Temperatures are also set to stay around the high 20s.
Invictus Games kick off on Cockatoo Island
The 2018 Invictus Games has kicked off on Sydney’s Cockatoo Island with the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge.
Over the day, competitors from 12 countries will participate in three challenges featuring one water obstacle course and two precision driving challenges, one involving cones to test the driver’s skill and mastery over the car.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be arriving in the afternoon to watch which country secures the first gold medal of the competition.
Harry will officially open them at a ceremony at the Sydney Opera House on Saturday night.
The fourth version of the international sporting event will feature 500 competitors from 18 nations competing in 11 medal sports including archery, athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting, road cycling, sailing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and rugby.
Prince Harry’s inspiration to create the games for wounded and ill veterans and serving military personnel came from his decade-long service with the British Army.
He was convinced sport could help wounded veterans “fix their lives” and raise awareness about the role they can play in the community.
The games, to be held over the week, are at the centre of Harry and Meghan’s first royal overseas tour.
They have already delighted fans in Sydney, Melbourne and Dubbo.
With AAP
