Calm after the Sydney storm: check out the images from those who braved the wild weather

The weather over the last few days has seen most of us spending the weekend huddled indoors – and for good reason. Over 85,000 homes and businesses lost power in Sydney, the Central Coast and Shoalhaven over the weekend. More than 500 people were evacuated, and the SES responded to over 9250 jobs and carried out more than 280 flood rescues since the beginning of the storm on Wednesday. Check out some of the snaps of the storm from the people who ventured out and braved the torrential conditions.

Collaroy beach was pummelled with massive waves, causing erosion of up to five metres of the shore line and decimating the residents' front yards.

 

Awful devastation for these people at the end of our street. #collaroybeach #collaroy #northernbeaches #northern_beaches #warringah #beach #beachfront #stormy @timeoutsydney

A photo posted by Monique Tyacke (@moniquetyackeartist) on Jun 5, 2016 at 5:09pm PDT

 Manly Beach was closed as waves as high as ten feet crashed on the beach and Corso.

 

... Seems the worst is over though... But #Sydney got hit hard by the #storm over the weekend - that is just an impression of the incredible force the wave had during this storm - a lot of damaged was caused by it, looks like nobody got seriously injured and hurt though (thank god!)... We are still without electricity since almost 24 hours... Let's hope Monday gives us some normal weather back #sydneystorm #manlybeach #manly #manlystorm #bower #shelly #shellybeach #wildweather #weathergonecrazy #nopower #rainrainrain #stuckinside

A photo posted by DitziFlitzi (@ditziflitzi) on Jun 5, 2016 at 11:49am PDT

Waves reached high over cliffs in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, damaging houses along the coastline. Many residents living on the coast were evacuated on Sunday evening.

 

The east coast of Australia is currently being smashed by extremely large swell, reading 7m on the charts. This place has amazing front row views perched high on the cliffs in Sydney's eastern suburbs.. #sydneystorm #massivewaves #sydney #storm #stormageddon #safe #bondi 🌂⛈💨☔️🌊 #waves #surf @canonaustralia #winteriscoming #winter @the.australian #igs_oceania

A photo posted by Jakob Zwart (@jakobdezwart) on Jun 4, 2016 at 10:28pm PDT

In Liverpool the powerlines and trees were brought down, and about 20,000 homes and businesses lost power across western Sydney.

 

Stay indoors during the Sydney storms. Please don't risk your life to take pictures you might think will be amazing. Remember there will always be other moments to capture that will be extremely awesome. This was taken Three - Five metres away. Always put yourself first by exercising precaution! #sydneystorms #liverpool #takecare #justdont

A video posted by Lily Petrovic (@blackfeniks_photography) on Jun 5, 2016 at 1:33am PDT

The aftermath of the Sydney storm. Beaches all along the coast of Sydney are closed today due to damage. The weather is beginning to clear up, but assessing the damage and cleaning up will take time.

 

First time I've known this sign to be Justified. #sydneystorm #blacknoreaster #deewhybeach #surfing #beachclosed

A photo posted by Brent (@itookit) on Jun 5, 2016 at 2:41pm PDT