Delays expected with Sydney Airport to drop to one active runway today

Sydney Airport will go down to a single active runway as strong winds continue to batter the city.

Sydney Airport Air services Australia said it was expecting to reduce the operative runways to one due to strong westerly crosswinds.

This is for traveller safety and not due to operational issues at the airport.

However, delays are expected and it’s recommended passengers reach out to their airlines.

Sydneysiders this morning woke to closed roads, fallen trees and wires down after wind gusts of over 100km/h ripped through the city overnight.

Gusts of up to 104km/h were recorded at Badgerys Creek, with the winds comparable to a category one cyclone.

The gusts brought down multiple trees and powerlines around Sydney.

About 13,000 homes are currently without power, while multiple roads are blocked by fallen trees, so people are urged to allow extra time for the commute.As of 6am, the following roads are closed:

• At Punchbowl, Canterbury Road is closed in both directions between Stacey Street and Punchbowl Road.
• At West Hoxton, Cowpasture Road is closed northbound approaching Hoxton Park Road.
• At Hammondville, Heathcote Road is closed in both directions between Bardia Parade and Keato Avenue.

Additionally, some buses may be diverting away from their normal routes and may be delayed.

Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds early this morning, the SES said.

The SES received 162 calls for help across the state since 3am, with the majority coming from Camden, Campbelltown, Liverpool and Penrith.

Meanwhile, total fire bans remain in place for the Greater Sydney and Illawarra regions.

There are currently 80 blazes burning across NSW, with 34 uncontained.

Firefighters have overnight contained a blaze burning in Sydney’s south-west, halting it as it came close to homes in Oran Park.

The grass fire broke out just after 4pm yesterday close to Camden, threatening residences.

But by about 3am this morning, firefighters had the upper hand.

With Thanks Reference to: https://www.9news.com.au/national/nsw-fires-winds-sydney-bushfire-contained-wind-gusts-up-to-104km-hr/547d11a5-9113-429f-8523-d4d5faea84f4