Flash flooding, landslides prompt evacuations in Sydney

January 18, 2026

Sydney: A landslide impacted three houses in northern Sydney as life-threatening flash flooding prompted evacuation orders following intense rainfall. Residents of the Narrabeen Lagoon area in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, about 19 km north of the central business district, were asked to evacuate shortly before 11 p.m. local time on Saturday due to rapidly rising floodwaters, according to Xinhua.

Three properties at Great Mackerel Beach, an isolated location on the northern beaches, were affected when heavy rain triggered a landslide.

Rescues Across NSW as Rainfall Smashes Records

The State Emergency Service (SES) said on Sunday morning that 25 people were rescued from floodwaters across New South Wales, many of them in Sydney. The Bureau of Meteorology reported that its Terrey Hill weather station recorded 179.6 mm of rain in 24 hours up to 9 a.m. Sunday, far exceeding the total rainfall recorded for December.

The SES responded to more than 1,400 incidents, including 743 in the Sydney region, and warned that heavy rainfall was expected to continue north of Sydney through Sunday.

Woman Killed, Flights Disrupted as Storms Batter East Coast

Earlier on Saturday, a woman died after her car was struck by a falling tree about 90 km south of Sydney amid strong winds and heavy rain. The female driver died at the scene, while a male passenger sustained minor injuries. Two rear-seat passengers were unharmed.

Severe thunderstorms caused flash flooding in northern Sydney and led to flight delays at Sydney Airport. Beaches around the city were closed due to powerful swells, and authorities urged people to avoid floodwaters and stay away from coastal areas. SES Superintendent Matt Kirby warned that the severe weather would persist until Sunday and cautioned residents against driving through floodwaters or parking near trees.