Tens of thousands face month without power
More than 38,000 are facing the possibility of a month without power after extreme rain and winds smashed the NSW coast over the weekend.
Residents and businesses across NSW are still without power this morning after consecutive days off the grid following record-breaking rainfall, flash floods and damaging winds.
More than 38,000 homes are without power after several days off the grid following extreme weather. AAP
The NSW coast was drenched over the weekend, with up to 550 millimetres of rain falling across parts of the northern rivers, mid-north coast, Central Coast, Sydney, Blue Mountains and the Illawarra.
Sydney recorded its heaviest rain in three decades and was battered by gale-force winds, with emergency services on Tuesday left to clear fallen trees, remove debris and extract cars from floodwaters.
Tanya Suttle, who lives in Bass Hill in Western Sydney, has been without power since Sunday and says she's struggling to do daily tasks and help her three young boys.
There are reports Ausgrid have requested help from the army to assist with the mammoth clean up. AAP
"Yesterday I was at my dad's charging phones, anything I could charge, I did a load of washing because I've got no washing machine. I even had dinner there," she told Today.
"I couldn't make my kids lunches, I had to get them lunch orders from school."
"Yesterday morning I had to go to school early and make them toast in the canteen. I can't do anything without the power.
"I just want the power back on. I want to shower in my home. It's humid, muggy, I want the fan on, the air conditioner, especially my kids," she said.
The SES have responded to a record number of calls for help in the last 48 hours. Supplied
Authorities have managed to restore power to 100,000 homes and 100 additional workers are expected to to be brought into NSW today to try and clear debris and get the electricity up and working again.
Given the extent of damage, many homes are facing at least another few days without electricity.
There have been reports Ausgrid have called for the State Government to bring in the army to help with the mammoth clean-up as technicians work around the clock to restore power.
The BoM has warned of more flooding and rainfall in days to come hindering the clean-up effort. Supplied
The SES on Tuesday night said it had received some 12,951 requests for help since last Wednesday night, with 10,660 call-outs completed.
More rain is forecast in coming days making it increasingly difficult for workers trying to restore power.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning late on Tuesday for parts of the northern rivers, mid north coast, north west slopes and plains and northern tablelands forecast districts.
The bureau warned of intense rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in these areas overnight.
Major roads and transport lines have been destroyed or damaged around NSW. 9News
A very high chance of showers is forecast for Sydney, with 6-25mm possible on Wednesday and 15-35mm possible on Thursday.
In the northern rivers, Byron Bay and Tweed Heads could each receive 15-50mm on Wednesday. On the mid-north coast, Coffs Harbour could get 15-40mm.
The BOM is saying 15-45mm is possible in Nowra on Wednesday, while on Thursday the South Coast town could get 40-80mm.
Also on the South Coast, Huskisson could get 20-60mm of rain on Wednesday and 40-80mm on Thursday, while Ulladulla could receive 45-90mm on Thursday.
Residents should take steps to avoid property damage while those already prepared for flooding should leave sandbags and precautionary measures in place, the SES said.
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