1986day.year
A low-pressure system that redeveloped off the New South Wales coast dumps a record 328 millimeters (13 inches) of rain in a day on Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
A low-pressure system off New South Wales dumps a record 328 mm of rain on Sydney in a single day, setting an all-time precipitation high.
On August 6, 1986, a vigorous low-pressure system redeveloped off the coast of New South Wales and unleashed torrential rains over Sydney. The city recorded 328 millimeters of rainfall in a 24-hour period—an unprecedented level in its meteorological history. The deluge caused widespread flooding, overwhelmed drainage systems, and disrupted daily life across the metropolitan area. Roads and train lines were submerged, and numerous homes and businesses reported water damage. Emergency services were stretched thin rescuing stranded motorists and residents. Despite the chaos, the event contributed valuable data to Australia’s climatological records and spurred improvements in urban flood management. The record remains a benchmark for extreme weather events in New South Wales and highlights the challenges posed by intense storm systems.
1986
New South Wales
Sydney, New South Wales