A STORM cell moved its way up the east coast of NSW on Tuesday night, bringing with it a reported 30,000 lightning strikes.
The worst of the severe weather hit the Sydney region with the State Emergency Service called to a total of 160 jobs across the state, 70 of those incidents were in Blacktown and Penrith.
The SES also completed five flood rescues, despite continued warnings to never enter floodwaters.
"NSW SES urges the public to drive with caution this morning as there may be debris on the road. Also to inspect their home for any damage that may have occurred overnight," a statement on Wednesday morning said.
A weak ridge of high pressure over the Tasman Sea and a lingering trough over western New South Wales is generating warm and unsettled conditions across the state.
The unsettled conditions were expected to linger for much of the remainder of the week as temperatures climbed to balmy heights - maximums of 38 degrees on Thursday and 35 degrees Wednesday - under prevailing cloudy conditions and the ongoing chance of showers.
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Severe thunderstorms have also caused flash flooding in Geelong, south-west of Melbourne.
Emergency management Victoria urged residents along Winchelsea, Lorne, Beeac and surrounds to seek shelter indoors.
"Intense rainfall is likely," the warning read.
The Severe Weather Warning has been updated for #Victoria, with heavy rainfall and damaging winds possible.
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) January 24, 2023
See https://t.co/HLs2UYFQyQ pic.twitter.com/BY3PU0BUvO
By the early afternoon on January 24, State Emergency Services received 95 calls for help, with 11 calls requesting flood rescues, between Geelong and Glenelg, according to The Age.
A spokesperson for Powercor said up to 7500 people are without power in the area, according to The Age.
Footage of the severe weather shows cars in the area trapped by the flooding, with Corio, nine kilometres north of central Geelong, hit particularly hard.
The situation is being closely monitored by the Bureau of Meteorology, saying further warnings will be "issued as necessary."
