Sydney's transport network experienced significant disruptions on Friday due to heavy rainfall that resulted in widespread flooding across the city.

Commuters were advised to seek alternative transport options, including replacement buses, as sections of the airport rail line were closed for much of the day.

Transport for NSW reported that the flooding was caused by the remnants of severe weather that had previously affected northern New South Wales, with Sydney receiving between 60 and 100 millimeters of rain overnight.

Strong winds led to temporary closures at Sydney Airport, affecting flight schedules as two of the three runways were shut down on Friday morning.

The T8 Airport and South line reopened around 1 PM after floodwaters receded, but operations remained hindered with replacement buses continuing to serve affected routes.

Infrastructure Chief Executive Matt Longland noted the area’s vulnerability to rapid tidal changes, which contributed to the worsening conditions during the morning peak.

Intercity services were particularly impacted, with no trains running on the Hunter Line, while buses provided limited service between Newcastle and Maitland.

Central Coast train services from Sydney were redirected at Gosford due to ongoing flooding at Cockle Creek station.

The T2 service saw some recovery after crews managed to pump water out of Lewisham station, which has historically faced flooding challenges.

However, T1 and T3 lines reported delays due to the adverse weather conditions.

Additional warnings were issued for passengers on the South Coast and T4 Line, advising them to expect delays of up to 35 minutes due to track flooding near Oatley.

Several ferry services between Circular Quay and Manly were cancelled or delayed amid heightened swells in Sydney Harbour.

As the weather system advanced southward, train services between Moss Vale and Picton were also ceased due to flooding near Mittagong.

This disruption followed a previous incident where a live wire fell onto a train at Strathfield, causing additional service delays earlier in the week.

Rainfall totals reported by the Bureau of Meteorology indicated significant precipitation from a coastal trough impacting the region.

North Richmond recorded over 179 millimeters of rain from Thursday morning to Friday morning, contributing to minor flooding along the Hawkesbury River and necessitating road closures.

As rainfall continued throughout the day, updated severe weather warnings were issued for parts of the Illawarra, South Coast, and Southern Tablelands, forecasting potential totals of 60 to 120 millimeters within six-hour periods.

The threat of minor flooding persists in Greater Sydney, with residents in low-lying areas, particularly near the Georges River in Chipping Norton, advised to prepare for possible evacuations.

Residents were notified that Nepean Dam was spilling, while warnings regarding vulnerabilities at Warragamba Dam remain in place, though a larger spill seemed unlikely as rainfall amounts were below initial forecasts.

A spokesperson from WaterNSW indicated that while the dam is still filling, the rate has decreased significantly.