Sydney had its average monthly rainfall within just two hours on Wednesday, according to meteorologists.
Authorities said at least 11 people had been rescued from vehicles trapped in floods. One man died in a car accident.
Images posted online showed flooded roads, houses and train stations.
Two police officers were injured in Sydney after being hit by a falling tree while trying to help motorists, authorities said.
The weather played havoc with the morning commute in Australia's biggest city, with many transport services cancelled or delayed - including more than 50 flights.
Australia's Bureau of Meteorology said it was the region's wettest November day since 1984.
"The intensity of that rainfall was phenomenal - 91mm fell in 90 minutes," forecaster Rob Taggart told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The storm centred on coastal parts of New South Wales (NSW), but was reported to have missed many inland regions affected by drought.
Authorities urged people to stay safe ahead of more forecast storms later on Wednesday.
"We cannot stress enough that motorists should never attempt to drive through flood waters or cross flooded causeways," said assistant commissioner Michael Corboy of NSW Police.
