A freak storm has torn through Penrith, bringing with it heavy rain and hail – but it was over almost as quickly as it arrived.
More than 20mm of rain fell in just 10 minutes as the storm rushed through local suburbs just before 4pm.
At one point a tornado warning was issued but it appears the worst of the weather has now passed.
The Bureau of Meteorology says 5cm hail fell at Penrith during the storm.
The bad weather is now hitting the city where it appears to have worsened.
🌨#WSW #SydneyStorm pic.twitter.com/uEA0mmldXi
— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) October 14, 2021
There was minor flooding along High Street in Penrith, near Penrith High School, while shops it St Marys also suffered damage.
Severe flooding forced the closure of Forrester Road at St Marys.
There was also reports of a ceiling collapse at Mount Druitt Westfield.
This was Penrith this afternoon #SydneyStorm pic.twitter.com/86L9bn6NwE
— Ⓜ️F 💙🔴🇦🇺 (@MaryForkin) October 14, 2021
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.