Severe thunderstorm strikes Sydney as Cyclone Imogen inundates far north Queensland

Flash flooding leaves some rural NSW communities isolated as 1,400 houses left without power in Queensland

Fast-moving thunderstorms have lashed much of eastern New South Wales including Sydney, felling trees and causing flash flooding that has left some rural communities isolated.

By 6.15pm on Monday the State Emergency Service had responded to 281 callouts across the state, the majority for trees down, leaking roofs and requests for sandbags to prevent property inundations.