INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
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Sydney had one month's worth of rain in two hours, meteorologists say
More than 500 Australians have called for emergency assistance after storms lashed Sydney and nearby regions, causing floods, power cuts
Sydney had its average monthly rainfall within just two hours on Wednesday, according to meteorologists.Authorities said at least 11 people
had been rescued from vehicles trapped in floods
One man died in a car accident.Images posted online showed flooded roads, houses and train stations.Image copyrightReutersImage caption
The weather made life difficult for morning commuters
Two police officers were injured in Sydney after being
hit by a falling tree while trying to help motorists, authorities said
The weather played havoc with the morning commute in Australia's biggest city, with many transport services cancelled or delayed - including
more than 50 flights.Australia's Bureau of Meteorology said it was the region's wettest November day since 1984."The intensity of that
rainfall was phenomenal - 91mm fell in 90 minutes," forecaster Rob Taggart told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.Image
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Authorities say floodwaters pose a risk to drivers
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caption
Council workers attempt to clear a drain
The storm centred on coastal parts of New South Wales
(NSW), but was reported to have missed many inland regions affected by drought.Authorities urged people to stay safe ahead of more forecast
storms later on Wednesday."We cannot stress enough that motorists should never attempt to drive through flood waters or cross flooded
causeways," said assistant commissioner Michael Corboy of NSW Police.
