Sydney storms snarl trains and cut power: latest Sydney weather, Sydney Trains status, and Penrith weather update

Severe thunderstorms ripped across Greater Sydney and parts of NSW in the past 24 hours, toppling trees, damaging power lines and disrupting rail services just as the morning commute approached. Emergency crews worked through the night, with tens of thousands of homes—particularly in Western Sydney—waking to blackout conditions. Transport officials say most lines are moving again today, though some sections remain slower with residual delays while infrastructure checks continue.

Sydney weather: what just happened and what’s next

A fast-moving complex of storms brought destructive wind gusts, intense lightning and bursts of heavy rain late Wednesday into early Thursday. State forecasters flagged the potential for large hail and damaging winds; the storm line delivered both in pockets from the Blue Mountains through the west and northwest suburbs to the Hawkesbury and Central Coast fringe. The clean-up now shifts to removing downed trees, replacing damaged poles and restringing power lines, with hazard crews prioritising life-safety callouts and blocked arterials.

• Power: Around 50,000 customers at peak were without power across Western Sydney; numbers should trend down through today as field teams isolate faults and reconnect feeders. Some individual streets may remain out longer where private poles or meter boxes were damaged.

• Wind and rain: Gusts in exposed spots climbed well above 90 km/h; rainfall was brief but heavy enough to cause local pooling and short-fuse flash flooding.

• Today’s outlook: Another round of showers and storms is possible in parts of NSW this afternoon and evening. Any redevelopment would be hit-and-miss, but damaged trees and saturated verges mean lower thresholds for new hazards—take it slow on shaded, debris-strewn roads.

Sydney Trains: where services stand after the storm

Lightning and fallen branches triggered multiple protection trips on the Western corridor, with power supply issues between major junctions. By early morning, rail crews had restored traction power and cleared several signal faults.

Morning status at a glance (subject to on-the-day updates):

• Core network: A normal timetable is expected on most lines, with minor delays possible on the T1 Western, T5 Cumberland and Blue Mountains lines as speed restrictions lift and crews finish inspections.

• Hot spots: The Parramatta–Richmond and Parramatta–St Marys sections experienced the heaviest disruption Wednesday; trains are running but may bunch during peaks. Allow extra time and check platform indicators.

• Buses: Rail replacement buses may be activated tactically if late inspections uncover issues. Follow station announcements.

Commuter tips:

1. Leave 10–15 extra minutes for Western corridor trips. 2) Stand clear of platform edges—slick leaf litter and residual water can reduce braking performance. 3) Report fresh hazards (hanging branches, fence damage) to station staff.

Penrith weather: local snapshot

Penrith and the Lower Mountains sat near the core of the strongest outflows, with a burst of rain around midday yesterday and multiple lightning cells in the afternoon. A severe thunderstorm advisory for the district highlighted potential damaging winds and hail; while the most intense cells were brief, they left widespread debris and scattered outages.

Today in Penrith (indicative):

• Warm, humid conditions with a chance of afternoon showers or a storm.

• If storms redevelop, expect gusty winds and short-duration heavy rain that can quickly pond on roads.

• Keep phones charged; treat all fallen wires as live and stay at least 8–10 metres clear.

Travel and safety checklist for the next 24 hours

• Driving: Watch for dark traffic signals, temporary four-way stops, and unprotected intersections. Assume hidden branches around blind corners.

• Rail: Check the trip planner before leaving; platform screens will show any late emerging speed restrictions.

• Power: If your street is still out, switch appliances off at the wall, keep fridges closed, and avoid using generators in enclosed spaces.

• Property: Photograph damage before moving debris. Do not climb on unstable roofs; arrange qualified inspections.

• Storms later today: Secure loose items (outdoor settings, trampolines) and park clear of large trees if thunderheads build again.

Why impacts linger after the skies clear

Sydney’s rail grid, roads and distribution networks are interlinked; even modest tree damage can cascade into traction trips, signal faults and blocked lanes. After a severe cell, rail engineers must visually inspect sections before removing speed limits; utilities must patrol feeders to prevent re-energising into a hidden fault. That diligence adds time but prevents repeat trips and secondary incidents.

Sydney’s wild storms knocked out power for tens of thousands and snarled Sydney Trains on the Western corridor, but most services are back on a normal timetable with some residual delays. Sydney weather may produce another shower or storm later today, and Penrith weather remains storm-sensitive after yesterday’s blast. Build in extra travel time, steer clear of downed lines, and keep an eye on updated advisories as crews finish the clean-up.