Wild weather is expected to exacerbate commuting delays caused by last week’s downpour, according to warnings sent out to millions of Australians.
On Tuesday afternoon, a vast rainbomb will drop 4-15mm of rain over Sydney, causing transit mayhem for commuters. The Bureau of Meteorology cautioned communities along the coast between Sydney and Coffs Harbour to brace themselves for strong gusts.
From Sydney to Forster, the Bureau warned about severe surf conditions and advised against activities like rock fishing.
It arrives when towns begin the laborious cleaning process after Friday’s devastating hurricane that pounded the East Coast.
Tuesday morning, Sydney commuters faced restricted public transport options due to the clean-up operation. As a result, Transport NSW urged thousands of people to work from home. After the landslides induced by the heavy rains destroyed train infrastructure in many sites around Sydney, repairs to the tracks were necessary.
Due to the track construction, there may be delays. However, up to 250 personnel from Sydney Trains will start repairs.
According to a statement from Transport NSW, passengers are advised to plan their trips ahead of time, listen to station announcements, monitor indicator boards, and allow additional travel time.
The South Coast Line has restored service to Kiama and Port Kembla, but with curtailed weekend schedules.
By Saturday morning, more than 70 flood rescues had been conducted in the Sydney metropolitan region, and the NSW State Emergency Service had received over 4,000 requests in the previous 24 hours.
Megalong Valley is a tiny village in the Blue Mountains just west of Katoomba. The sole route into the area was devastated by Friday’s big storm.
On Sunday night, around 200 inhabitants and guests were able to escape across private land with the help of a bulldozer plowing away.
The town’s remaining residents are now waiting impatiently for a temporary solution to the damaged road so they can return to their homes.
For the time being, the Rural Fire Service will continue to airdrop food, critical supplies, and other items into the town.
