A severe 'bomb cyclone' is impacting parts of New South Wales, leading to strong winds in Brisbane and flight cancellations.

As a result of expected winds exceeding 110 km/h, heavy rains, and hazardous surf conditions, airlines like Virgin Australia and Jetstar have canceled numerous flights out of Sydney.

On the morning of July 2, 2025, at least eight flights between Brisbane and Sydney were canceled due to these extreme weather conditions.

The cyclone's intensification is attributed to abnormally warm ocean waters, which are 1 to 3 degrees above average, providing additional energy and moisture.

A 'bomb cyclone' is characterized by a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure of 20 to 30 hectopascals over a short period, leading to severe weather.

Environmental geography professor Steve Turton noted that the storm is generating winds comparable to a category two cyclone, potentially affecting over 5 million people.

The peak impact of the bomb cyclone is expected on July 2, with dangerous beach and coastal conditions anticipated along the New South Wales coastline.

In southeast Queensland, winds are forecasted to reach gusts of up to 100 km/h, marking an early start to the typical August Ekka winds.

Millions of residents are advised to stay indoors, as the storm has already left thousands without power across communities from Queensland’s Lockyer Valley to Bega in New South Wales.

The Bureau of Meteorology has described the phenomenon as a 'bomb cyclone,' resulting in torrential rain and winds reaching up to eight meters along the NSW coast.

Warnings have been issued for up to 120 mm of rain expected in Greater Sydney within six hours, with flash flooding risks in areas like Taree and Newcastle.

Airservices Australia is monitoring the weather situation closely and has reported reduced aircraft movement rates to adapt operations as needed.