The most destructive winds recorded in New South Wales history have left Southern Sydney residents with a massive clean up job.
The winds and thunderstorms hit Sydney just after 10.30am on Wednesday bringing down power lines, lifting roofs off houses and leaving more than 20,000 homes and businesses without power.
The storm’s brunt was felt in the beachside suburb of Kurnell, which was lashed with record breaking winds of 213kmh, heavy rain and hail stones the size of golf balls.
REUTERS/Jason Reed
Meteorologists said there was evidence of a tornado having ripped through the southern suburbs.
An enormous clean-up has since begun. During the peak of the storm emergency services received about 500 calls for assistance.
A natural disaster zone has been declared in the area.
The weather in Sydney today is forecast to clear with cloud and light drizzle predicted.
