Australian floods claim first fatality

SYDNEY - A man has died as a result of major flooding in eastern Australia, after his car became submerged by floodwaters in Sydney's north west.

Emergency services responded to reports that a car was trapped by floodwaters on Cattai Ridge Road in the suburb of Glenorie early on Wednesday morning.

Shortly after 1:00 p.m. local time the vehicle was found with the body of the man inside. He was yet to be formally identified.

A crime scene was established to determine how the incident occurred.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to all the loved ones of that person," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said following news of the death.

Rain clouds finally cleared on Wednesday over parts of eastern Australia seriously affected by flooding, however, warnings still remained in place with some rivers expected to continue rising.

Overnight a further 6,000 people were evacuated from affected areas, with 950 flood rescues and 11,000 calls to the State Emergency service for assistance in the 24 hours to Wednesday morning.

Thousands of people remained on evacuation standby, as much of New South Wales (NSW) State saw blue skies for the first time in a week.