Taylor Swift takes to the stage after fears of storm delays

Taylor Swift has taken to the stage on time at Sydney's Accor Stadium despite fears her show would be delayed by storms.

Earlier crowds had been cleared from the stadium floor and the lower bowl rows one to 20 due to the rain.

Swift's opening actm Sabrina Carpenter, had to be cancelled due to the early delay.

READ MORE: What would a severe thunderstorm mean for Taylor Swift's Sydney shows?

More than 80,000 fans have turned out to the event, the first of her Sydney performances.

It's a little down on the record crowd of 96,000 Swift performed to at the MCG last week.

It was a nervous wait for fans before the show, with messages played over the loud speaker at Accor Stadium and on the big screen as storms swept across the region.

"Please note, due to the weather, show start time has been delayed," the venue said.

"Stay undercover until further notice and follow venue screens and staff instructions.

"Stay safe and remember to be kind to those around you."

Swift was met with torrential downpour when she touched down in the city on Monday, Sydney Airport recording its highest rain in two months of 39mm.

But history has taught us the singer isn't afraid of a little rain. 

She last performed in Sydney in 2018 for her Reputation Tour, braving the wet weather and continuing to perform even as the skies opened up.

Since beginning her Eras Tour almost 12 months ago, the singer has only postponed two shows due to severe weather conditions.

She postponed a show in Rio De Janeiro in November after extreme heat led to the death of a 23-year-old fan and postponed another just days earlier in Buenos Aires over severe rainfall. 

"I love a rain show but I'm never going to endanger my fans or my fellow performers and crew," she said about her Buenos Aires show on social media.

Excitement has been building ahead of the singer's first Sydney show.

Perth fan Patrick Swift was among those at the show tonight.

He has seen Taylor Swift more than 40 times and he has bought tickets to all seven Australian shows.

"This has cost me a fortune but it doesn't matter what you spend," he said.

"Taylor likes it if you for to one show or if you go to 50 shows, Taylor just minds if you're kind."

Earlier today the severe weather caused flight cancellations into Sydney, which prompted Qantas to fly a plane usually reserved for international travel on a domestic route.

"Due to severe storms forecast to impact the Sydney region late this afternoon, Airservices Australia has limited the number of arrivals and departures in Sydney for all airlines resulting in a number of cancellations and delays," Qantas said in a statement.

"Qantas will use an Airbus A380 from Melbourne to Sydney to ensure customers get to Sydney as close to schedule as possible.

"The A380 will carry 485 customers, the equivalent of almost three Boeing 737 flights which normally operate this route."

READ MORE: What would a severe thunderstorm mean for Taylor Swift's Sydney shows?

The State Emergency Service (SES) is warning those travelling to major events to be wary of high winds, damaging hail and heavy rain.

"We may see some very poor weather this afternoon and evening across parts of Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Illawarra, parts of the South Coast and eastern parts of the Southern Tablelands," Chief Superintendent Dallas Burnes said. 

"The weather expected may make things like travelling hazardous, with high end heavy rain and flash flooding a possibility."

The SES has rostered extra staff to manage the storm.

READ MORE: Why is Taylor Swift crowd behaviour so different to sport?

Will the show go ahead?

Accor Stadium said the show would go ahead rain or shine on its website.

"The only exception would be severe weather which could impact the safety of artists and patrons," Accor Stadium said.

"Any updates will be communicated to attendees."

Umbrellas are not permitted into the stadium and rain ponchos are recommended.

Brisbane Airport shows two Jetstar and two Virgin flights heading to Sydney tonight have been cancelled.