Trains delayed, roads closed and ferries cancelled across Sydney as flooding leads to transport chaos
Heavy rainfall across Sydney has caused chaos on roads and railways as authorities warn of delays for those descending on the city for the opening of the Vivid lights festival.
More than 200mm of rain fell in Richmond, about 90mm in Camden, more than 50mm in Katoomba and at least 75mm at Sydney airport in the 24 hours to 9am on Friday.
Parts of the Illawarra, including Clover Hill, received more than 200mm of rain, causing localised flooding on the coast.
Sydney and the Blue Mountains were expecting a further dump of up to 100mm over the next 24 hours. Warragamba dam was at 97% capacity and could spill on Friday or Saturday, Water NSW said.
Days after a downed power line crashed Sydney's rail system for almost 48 hours, the network was again plagued by disruptions, with stretches of two lines not running.
On Friday afternoon, trains were not running on the Airport and South line between Revesby and Turrella 'due to flooding', nor on the Central Coast line between Newcastle and Morisset after a landslip and flooding.
Limited buses were replacing train services, with passengers advised to seek alternative travel or delay non-essential movements.
Trains were also delayed or changed to shuttle services on the Leppington, Liverpool and Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra, Hunter, Southern Highlands and South Coast lines.
There were cancellations across Sydney's ferry network, including on the Parramatta River.
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Transport for NSW warned that flood waters had caused 'several major closures' on roads on the mid-north coast, Hunter and in parts of Sydney.
Sydney's Vivid festival was scheduled to open on Friday evening. The Transport for NSW coordinator general, Howard Collins, said: 'If you are heading in tonight to see Vivid Sydney, please allow plenty of extra travel time and check your transport apps before heading out.'
Additional reporting Australian Associated Press
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