Motorists have been told to avoid all non-essential travel as floods and heavy rain force multiple road closures across Sydney and beyond.
At least 20 main roads were shut down due to flooding on Monday night as authorities warned conditions could change rapidly.
A severe thunderstorm warning with “intense rainfall” was issued for Sydney, including Sutherland, the airport, Olympic Park, Camden, Campbelltown and Liverpool, with dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding deemed “likely”.
Transport NSW executive Mark Hutchings asked drivers who did need to use the roads to stay vigilant and take it slow.
“Unprecedented rainfxjmtzywall has seen widespread damage to our road network over the past week and with the wet weather to continue we are asking everyone to be safe when travelling,” Mr Hutchings said.
To help with congestion around Sydney, Transport for NSW opened the T2 and T3 transit lanes for general use until midnight on Friday.
Rail disruptions are also expected throughout the week.
“Please be advised there will be delays and cancellations across the rail network this week due to flooding. If you are on the network please plan ahead and leave plenty of extra travel time,” Mr Hutchings said.
Landslides are threatening to block roadways, with emergency crews attending multiple incidents on Monday and warning residents to be on alert.
Road crews are scrambling to assess damage and conduct repairs where possible.
The department’s Roger Weeks said delays heading in and out of Sydney should be expected.
“Road crews are on the ground assessing the damage this week where they can but we are expecting more rain which makes repairs difficult and can mean closures on short notice,” Mr Weeks said.
“When you do come across a closed road, please do not just drive past the barrier or sign. It is closed because it is dangerous, and by driving on closed roads you are putting not only yourself but our traffic crews at risk.
“These crews are doing all they can to keep motorists safe, please show them your respect and understanding – these are people who are working every day and in a lot of cases are also affected by flooding.”
As of 9pm on Monday evening, the following roads were closed:
*At Liverpool, the Hume Highway is closed in both directions due to flooding at the Cumberland Highway
*At Milperra, Milperra Road is closed in both directions just east of Henry Lawson Drive, due to flooding at Ashford Ave.
*At Revesby Heights, Henry Lawson Drive is closed due to flooding at The River Road.
*At Bexley North, Bexley Road is closed in both directions due to flooding between Slade Road and the M5 East.
*Between Galston and Hornsby Heights, Galston Road is closed in both directions for repairs due to severe weather.
*Windsor Bridge, North Richmond Bridge and Yarramundi Bridge are closed.
*Windsor: Hawkesbury Valley Way is closed between Moses Street and Percival Street.
*North Richmond: Terrace Road is closed between Bells Line of Road and Brahma Road.
*Between McGraths Hill and Cattai: Pitt Town Road, Cattai Road and Wisemans Ferry Road are closed.
*McGraths Hill: Windsor Road is closed between Pitt Town Road and Macquarie Street.
*Marayla: Cattai Ridge Rd is closed between Street Johns Road and Halcrows Road.
*Schofields: Grange Ave is closed at Eastern Creek.
*Shanes Park: Stony Creek Rd/St Marys Road is closed at South Creek.
*Hinchinbrook: Hoxton Park Road is closed
*Douglas Park: Douglas Park Causeway is closed.
*Menangle: Menangle Bridge is closed.
*In the Royal National Park: Audley Weir is closed.
*Between Narrabeen and Oxford Falls: Wakehurst Parkway is closed.
*Oxford Falls: Oxford Falls Road is closed between the Wakehurst Parkway and Aroona Road
Authorities warned conditions were changing quickly and other roadways could be affected. Motorists were reminded never to drive through floodwaters.
