Extreme winds, storms hit Australia

[Pastor Dale Morgan]

*Perilous Times and Global Warming

Extreme winds, storms hit Australia *

January 13, 2008 05:46pm
Article from: AAP

Extreme winds of more than 100km/h today lashed parts of Sydney's west
as storms swept over the city and the state's south coast.

Wind, hail and possible flash flooding have been forecast for Sydney
before the system crosses the coast.

Damage to homes and business has been reported, the Bureau of
Meteorology says.

The severe weather originated in the foothills of the Blue Mountains and
the southern highlands.
A southerly change forecast to hit the south coast later today should
push the system offshore this evening.

The State Emergency Service (SES) received about 60 calls for assistance
from Penrith residents in the 15 minutes from 4pm (AEST).

"A fair bit of tree damage I would assume,'' an SES spokesman said.

Crews have also responded to calls in Blacktown.