A powerful storm has battered Australia’s east coast, leaving a 55-year-old truck driver critically injured and flooding hundreds of properties across New South Wales (NSW).

The storm system intensified late Tuesday, bringing torrential rain, destructive winds, and widespread damage. In Moss Vale, about 105 km southwest of Sydney, a tree collapsed onto a semi-trailer truck at approximately 10:30 p.m., crushing the driver’s cabin. Emergency crews rescued the unconscious driver, who suffered severe head and torso injuries. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition.

According to the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), the South Coast region was one of the hardest hit, with over 200 properties inundated after some areas recorded more than 200 mm of rain within 24 hours. By Wednesday morning, more than 35,000 homes and businesses across the state were without power.

The storm caused major disruptions in air travel as well. Sydney Airport warned of ongoing delays and cancellations throughout Wednesday, while strong winds also grounded flights at Brisbane Airport in Queensland.

Authorities urged residents in Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong to avoid non-essential travel, with public transport services severely impacted.

Debbie Platz, deputy commissioner of the NSW SES, praised residents for heeding warnings and preparing their homes, which she said helped reduce further damage. However, she identified the Wollongong region as the new priority area for emergency response.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather alert, stating that the low-pressure system responsible for the storm is expected to move back out to sea later on Wednesday.