Evacuation order issued for Sydney's northern beaches as east coast storms hit

Authorities issued an evacuation order for residents near Narrabeen Lagoon after heavy storms caused flooding and more than a dozen rescues across Sydney; emergency crews reported one death and are focusing response efforts in affected areas.

Emergency services issued an evacuation order for parts of Sydney's northern beaches following heavy storms and rain. Residents near Narrabeen Lagoon and surrounding suburbs were told to leave as flooding affected homes and vehicles. More than a dozen people were rescued across Sydney and crews received over 800 calls for help. Officials reported one death linked to the severe weather and local crews were responding to landslide damage at Great Mackerel Beach. Key facts: - An emergency evacuation order covered areas around Narrabeen Lagoon and parts of the northern beaches. - More than a dozen people were rescued across Sydney and emergency services reported receiving over 800 calls for assistance. - Officials reported one fatality after a tree branch struck a vehicle, and a landslide at Great Mackerel Beach damaged homes and injured at least one person. - About 750 SES volunteers were deployed and crews said they would focus response and clean-up efforts on the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Sydney metropolitan area. Summary: The storms produced widespread flooding, rescues and local infrastructure impacts across New South Wales, with related damage also reported in parts of Queensland. Emergency crews remain engaged in response and clean-up, concentrating resources on the areas most affected while further heavy rain was forecast for parts of the northern suburbs through to the Hunter coast.