9NEWS reporter Damian Ryan helps push broken-down car during Sydney storm

Journalists normally try to avoid becoming part of the story, but 9NEWS reporter Damian Ryan proved today he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty – or his feet wet.

Following the sudden storm that swept through Sydney this morning, cars were left stranded on major roads, causing lengthy traffic jams.

Ryan was recording his story for tonight’s 6pm news on the side of Lang Road, outside Fox Studios in Sydney, when the call to action came.

"It was a dime a dozen, there were cars everywhere," Nine News reporter Damian Ryan said.

"It was just one of those situations that meant that as the floodwater receded the cars were everywhere. They weren't going to start so we had to push them off the road.

With the help of a traffic controller, Ryan and the driver of one of the cars pushed his car up the road to allow traffic to pass.

Sydney received its heaviest rain in six months in the surprise downpour, with more than 40mm falling in around one hour.

"Everyone was taken by surprise," Ryan said. "Everyone's been complaining about the heat and now we've got something else to worry about."

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