More rain could be on the way after storms cause commuter chaos

The threat of further rain looms after severe thunderstorms swept through Sydney, stranding cars, delaying trains and causing more than a dozen flood rescues.

The weather system began to ease in the greater Sydney area around 8pm and moved north towards the Central Coast and Hunter regions.

But there is still the potential for severe storms to return, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, putting residents on alert again.

Severe thunderstorms have subsided over parts of Sydney, but the threat of further rain remains. (9 News)

Heavy storms caused commuter chaos and cancellations across parts of the city this afternoon.

Train travelers packed onto coaches as tracks were flooded with water while some drivers stood still on the roads.

The state emergency service responded to 304 calls from 2pm across New South Wales.

“We received 272 calls for help in the Sydney metropolitan area for rapidly rising water affecting roads and buildings,” NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan said.

Milperra and Camden were hit hard, with four cars trapped in flash floods on the M5 exit and the ceiling collapsed at one business.

Hogan said volunteers undertook 17 flood rescues after motorists became trapped in vehicles.

The heavy rain choked traffic in several suburbs including Artarmon, Zetland, Granville and Rosehill.

“All these rescues happened in quick succession from about 5.30pm onwards as commuters were on the road in rush hour traffic,” she said.

Almost 30mm of rain fell in Camden in 30 minutes, and a whopping 75mm in two hours.

Drivers are stuck in flash floods on the M5 exit. (9News) The ceiling collapsed at one business. (9 News)

It’s almost a month of rain.

Nearby Picton recorded 63mm in the two hours to 5.15pm, while Bringelly recorded 41mm in an hour.

Train tracks on the T7 and T3 lines were flooded, further delaying commuters.

Trains did not run in both directions between Lidcombe and Olympic Park due to flooding on the tracks at Olympic Park, with commuters told to use bus routes 525 or 526 to complete their journey.

Those trying to catch a train from Sydenham to Bankstown have been asked to use alternative transport due to flooding at Marrickville.

The storm dumped nearly a month’s worth of rain on Camden in just two hours. (9 News)

“Customers wishing to travel to stations between Marrickville and Bankstown will need to get a T2 Inner West and Leppington Line service and change trains at Lidcombe,” Sydney Trains said.

City-bound services on this line were still in operation.

Commuters were asked to delay if possible and allow extra travel time.

Photos show the scale of clean-up across Queensland after floods

With unsettled weather and storms forecast for much of the week, Assistant Commissioner Hogan said it was important people stayed up to date with the warnings and monitored conditions before driving.

“If you come across a flooded road, the best advice is to turn around and find an alternative route,” she said.

“You should also seek shelter on higher ground if you can.”

The SES issued a warning to avoid stormwater drains, unplug electrical appliances and stay indoors away from windows.

For updated weather warnings — including a more general warning for Northern Tablelands and parts of the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Northwest Slopes and Plains, Southwest Slopes and Central West Slopes and Plains districts — check the bureau website. Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and news releases, delivered straight to your inbox.