Thousands without power as Sydney, Australia lashedby wildest weather in five years

Sydney has been lashed by wild storms, with the authorities having to close Bondi Beach because of dangerous surf and the winds are so strong sand is blowing inland.

State Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Steve Pearce said at least 20 people had already been rescued in the worst storms for more than five years, and there were still numerous people caught in dangerous situations on the state's central and north coasts.

"We have multiple rescues going on at the moment where people ... are stranded in floodwaters, attempting to drive through floodwaters," Pearce said.

"Other people have attempted to drive through causeways and been washed over causeways.

"We have really grave fears for some of those people and we're doing everything we can to address that."