‘Stay home': Warning to millions of Sydney workers as freak ‘cyclone bomb' sparks commuter chaos

News.com.au

15 hours ago

Millions have been told to stay home amid the freak 'cyclone bomb' staring down the NSW coastline, which has sparked commuter chaos on ferries, buses, trains and airplanes.
The intense weather event is lashing down on NSW, causing flash flooding and destructive winds.
Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins warned commuters to stay home if they had that option.
'The advice for people using our public transport and roads is you don't have to travel, stay indoors as your recommendations are,' Mr Collins told the ABC.
'If you're an essential worker and you've got to get home or to work, please take your time.
'They may well be more disruption. So if you are planning to get home, leave early. Take your time. Don't leave it till late in the evening because that's when disruptions occur.'
The storm has caused mass disruptions across the state's transport network.
More than a dozen roads have been flooded in areas including Byron Bay and Jervis Bay.
In the state's capital the Pacific Highway has flooded in St Leonards with two of four southbound lanes closed.
Also in Sydney's suburbs Euston Rd has flooded in Alexandria with one southbound lane closed.
Serious flash flooding has swept through Newcastle with Coxs Ln and Mungo Brush Rd flooded and a warning issued to drivers.
'Never drive through floodwater, avoid the area, stay away,' the warning read.
The affected areas include the Mid North Coast, Hunter, Central Coast, Sydney, the Illawarra and South Coast.
Anyone preparing to commute or drive through those areas has been urged to stay informed and most importantly drive to the conditions.
Mr Collins said: 'Whether you're travelling by car or catching public transport please allow plenty of extra time to get to your destination.
'Don't drive, walk or cycle through flood waters, watch out for storm debris on the road, and if weather conditions become too severe, find a safe place to stop and wait until it passes.
'Passengers on public transport should take the time to hop online and check timetables before they set off and stay across any updates during their trip.'
Transport for NSW warned travellers to expect delays and disruptions as the extreme weather lashes the region.
Multiple ferry services have been cancelled in Sydney with F9 Watsons Bay Wharf closed due to high winds.
⛴� F9 Watsons Bay Wharf has been closed due to high winds. F9 Watsons Bay ferries are not running between Rose Bay and Watsons Bay.
� Consider alternative transport btwn Rose Bay & Watsons Bay. https://t.co/zkxHbFpRcN
— Sydney Ferries Info (@FerriesInfo) July 1, 2025
Replacement buses are operating.
Mr Collins warned that there is 'a lot of risk of the harbour going above four metres', which may mean that ferry services continue to be suspended.
NSW Maritime has advised boaters to stay ashore and avoid any non-essential boating amid the hectic weather.
NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said boat owners should be prepared for dangerous weather to continue to Thursday morning.
'We are advising everyone to stay off the water over the next couple of days, and boaters should check moorings and secure any items on board,' Mr Hutchings said.
Some wild weather hitting Sydney - for those in my community please note the following stay at home orders. pic.twitter.com/AZSDiKbe2h
— Kellie Sloane MP - Member for Vaucluse (@kelliesloane) July 1, 2025
'Large and powerful waves are expected, which can cause coastal bars to change quickly and without warning, and pose a serious risk to those on the water.'
Air travel has also been significantly disrupted with Sydney Airport moving to single runway operations.
This is expected to lead to delayed and cancelled flights at least until 11pm Tuesday, and possibly into Wednesday.
At least 20 flights have been cancelled across airlines, with guests encouraged to keep an eye on the status of their flights.
In a statement a Virgin Australia spokesman said the airline regrets the 'impact of this on guests' travel plans' and it is working to help travellers reach their destination.