The Australian Commonwealth Games team has finally touched down in Sydney after being diverted to Canberra to refuel because high winds delayed its arrival.
The team's Qantas charter flight was meant to have touched down in Sydney at 6.45am but was delayed several times.
A Qantas spokesman said heavy winds had forced Sydney Airport to operate only one runway.
As a result, the team's flight was diverted to Canberra to refuel.
Family, friends, the media, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott have been waiting since early this morning to greet the team.
There are about 300 athletes on the plane.
Meanwhile, hundreds have been forced to evacuate after heavy rainfall flooded properties and cut off major roads across southern New South Wales.
The State Emergency Services had received nearly 1000 calls in relation to the weather.
- AAP, NZ Herald staff
Rain forces evacuations in NSW
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