Multiple evacuation orders and warnings were in place for areas in and around Sydney on July 5, as some 50,000 people were affected by severe flooding.

Fire and Rescue New South Wales said its crews had played a major role in some 249 flood rescues since the weekend.

“There were 101 flood rescues, mainly in Sydney’s southwest last night between 5pm and 9pm,” the service said, “including 50 rescues from homes and stranded vehicles in a half-hour period.” Over two dozen more rescues followed into the early morning, they said.

The Bureau of Meteorology said heavy rain would persist into Wednesday for the Mid North Coast and parts of the Northern Tablelands. Credit: Fire and Rescue New South Wales via Storyful