A powerful low-pressure system is developing off Australia’s east coast, and it’s expected to rapidly intensify into a “bomb cyclone” that will bring heavy rain and damaging winds to New South Wales and Queensland.
What’s a ‘Bomb Cyclone’?
A “bomb cyclone” is a rapidly intensifying weather system that will bring dangerous conditions to the region.
“You can see a low starting to develop overnight, that circulation; that will then strengthen quite rapidly, and it’s going to be termed a ‘bomb cyclone’, mostly due to the rapid development,” skynews Mr. Sharpe said.
Heavy Rain and Damaging Winds Expected
The system is forecast to bring damaging winds and heavy rain to parts of New South Wales, including Sydney, with the Illawarra region likely to cop the worst of it.
“Damaging winds are expected with this system, especially with that coastal fringe,” Mr. Sharpe warned.
“Rainfall looks significant with that coastal fringe, with 100mm likely from Forster down the coastline, including parts of coastal Sydney, with the potential of up to 300mm in the Illawarra.”
Flash Flooding and Coastal Erosion Risks
Flash flooding is a real risk, and the Bureau of Meteorology has warned river levels may rise to minor or moderate flood thresholds across the region.
The wild system is also expected to whip up dangerous surf, with coastal erosion forecast for Wednesday as large waves slam the shoreline.