Severe storm causes 11,000 power outages, knocks out transport

A severe thunderstorm has lashed Sydney and parts of New South Wales, leaving more than 11,000 homes and businesses without power and causing major disruptions to the city's transport network. Fire and Rescue NSW reported over 400 calls for assistance as the storm brought down trees and power lines. In Penrith, emergency crews worked to rescue an occupant after a tree fell onto a house. Sydney Trains reported significant delays across multiple lines due to lightning strikes and debris on tracks. Energy providers Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy are working to restore power to affected customers in the Illawarra, Central Coast, and Sydney metropolitan areas.