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Vigorous coastal low forecast to keep sending severe weather across eastern NSW for much of Wednesday, before gradually easing on ThursdayNSW and Sydney weather live updates – latest newsNSW weather mapsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThousands are without power across New South Wales after severe winds and heavy rain battered the state, with wind gusts up to 130km/h and several places receiving more than 200mm rain.The NSW State Emergency Service has responded to more than 2,870 incidents since a vigorous coastal low began lashing the state’s east coast, bringing intense rainfall and strong winds.Sign up

BoM says damaging winds, heavy rain and possible flash flooding a risk for large parts of NSW coast and some inland areas. Follow the latest updates liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNSW wild weather: ‘Conditions can become dangerous quickly’Wild weather has brought down trees, damaged properties and flooded roads on the NSW coast, NSW SES says.These incidents are a timely reminder that roads are slippery, and conditions can become dangerous quickly.Please, never drive, walk or play in flood waters. If you do come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route. Continue

The national climate assessments help state and local governments prepare for the impacts of a warming worldLegally mandated US national climate assessments seem to have disappeared from the federal websites built to display them, making it harder for state and local governments and the public to learn what to expect in their back yards from a warming world.Scientists said the peer-reviewed authoritative reports save money and lives. Websites for the national assessments and the US Global Change Research Program were down Monday and Tuesday with no links, notes or referrals elsewhere. The White House, which was responsible for the assessments,

Legislation goes to House but unclear if lower chamber will accept changes to tax and spending bill amid factionalismSenate Republicans on Tuesday passed a major tax and spending bill demanded by Donald Trump, ending weeks of negotiations over the comprehensive legislation and putting it another step closer to enactment.But it remains unclear if changes made by the chamber will be accepted by the House of Representatives, which approved an initial draft of the legislation last month by a single vote. While Republicans control both house of Congress, factionalism in the lower chamber is particularly intense, with rightwing fiscal hardliners demanding