Wild storms devastate Sydney

Sydneysiders were rescued from floodwaters and thousands of homes and businesses lost power as a massive storm ripped through the port city.

State Emergency Services were called to three “active flood rescues” in Sydney's inner west on Monday afternoon.

However, at 7pm, the Bureau of Meteorology lifted the severe thunderstorm warning as conditions eased.

Almost 4,000 power connections were lost in Freshwater, Curl Curl, North Manly, Brookvale, Bexley, Kingsgrove and Hurstville as thousands of lightning bolts struck the region around 3pm.

As of 8 p.m., Ausgrid reported that 705 power connections were still out due to eight unplanned outages.

The Bureau of Meteorology estimates that 3,000 lightning strikes occurred between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Information from the SES shows rescuers were called to flood rescues in Strathfield, Croydon and Homebush.

Marrickville Golf Club was showered with 29mm of rain on Monday, Allambie received 32mm and Webbs Creek received 31mm.

Rain showers are forecast for the rest of the week. A strong wind warning remains in effect for the Eden Coast.

The storm devastated Sydney and large surrounding regions and heavy rains rocked the city.

At around 3:40 p.m., the weather office reported the latest status and said that severe thunderstorms in the warning area had temporarily subsided.

“However, the renewed development of severe thunderstorms remains possible. “The situation is being closely monitored and further detailed warnings will be issued if necessary,” the warning said.

A large area between Tamworth and Muswellbrook has also recorded more than 10mm of rain since 9am.