Bomb Cyclone Hits NSW Leaving 30,000 Without Power, Millions at Risk

A rapidly intensifying low-pressure system known as a 'bomb cyclone' is impacting New South Wales (NSW), Australia, bringing damaging winds exceeding 120 km/h, heavy rainfall of up to 200mm in some areas, and hazardous coastal conditions. This severe weather event has caused widespread power outages affecting tens of thousands of residents, with emergency services responding to thousands of calls and preparing for flash flooding, especially in flood-prone regions such as the mid-north coast and areas still saturated from previous floods. The Bureau of Meteorology and SES have issued multiple warnings for areas including Sydney, Taree, Newcastle, and Wollongong, urging residents to prepare for destructive winds and potential flooding. The system's rapid intensification has been fueled by abnormally warm ocean waters off the NSW coast, raising concerns for sudden flash floods and increased wave energy causing coastal erosion. Despite being classified as a vigorous coastal low rather than a classic east coast low, experts warn the effects will be intense and unpredictable, with over five million people likely to be affected. Emergency services continue to mobilize thousands of volunteers to assist communities, emphasizing caution during peak impacts expected around midweek.