Severe Storms Disrupt Sydney, Leaving Thousands Without Power
A severe thunderstorm swept across the Sydney metropolitan area on Thursday, March 26, 2026, leaving over 11,000 homes and businesses without power and prompting hundreds of calls for assistance. The storm, which moved through the city from 5:30 PM, brought strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and thousands of lightning strikes.
Widespread Power Outages and Emergency Responses
As of 8:45 PM, Endeavour Energy reported over 4,400 homes and businesses experiencing power outages, while Ausgrid reported more than 7,350 affected properties . Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) received over 250 calls for help within the first two hours of the storm, rising to over 400 by 9:30 PM.
Localized Impacts and Rescue Operations
Campbelltown recorded the highest rainfall with 39 millimeters and experienced small hail. Wind gusts reached up to 80 kilometers per hour in some areas, causing reduced visibility and plummeting temperatures before the storm moved offshore. FRNSW Acting Superintendent John Moore stated the storms impacted areas from the southern suburbs to the Northern Beaches.
A notable incident occurred in Hornsby, where a tree fell onto a house, trapping an occupant. Fire and Rescue NSW personnel, along with the State Emergency Service (SES) and electrical authorities, worked to safely remove the tree and ensure the occupant’s safe evacuation. Live powerlines were present, complicating the removal process .
A shopping centre in Campbelltown experienced flooding in its concourse, and some residents reported roof leaks.
Transport Disruptions
Sydney’s public transport network experienced disruptions, with delays reported on the T1, T2, T3, and T5 train lines. Metro services on the M1 North West and Bankstown lines were temporarily suspended due to a power issue between Barangaroo and Victoria Cross but have since resumed, excluding Crows Nest station due to platform door issues.
Storm Formation and Future Outlook
The storm outbreak was caused by a combination of cold polar air moving north from Antarctica and warm, humid air over Latest South Wales. Further severe weather is anticipated on Friday, with a rapidly intensifying coastal low triggering multiple warnings and potentially bringing the coldest March day in decades to the state’s south east.
Fire and Rescue NSW Campbelltown Fire Station is located on the lands of the Tharawal Nation, and Fire and Rescue NSW pays its respects to their Elders past, present and emerging .