Australia’s East Coast Braces for ‘Severe’ Thunderstorms and Heavy Rainfall as Wild Storm Season Intensifies
- Millions of Australians warned to prepare for damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and large hail across the east coast this weekend
- Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Canberra among cities bracing for possible severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall
- Bureau of Meteorology forecaster warns of “unsettled days” ahead, with conditions expected to calm down by Sunday
Millions of Australians along the country’s east coast are bracing for a weekend of wild weather, with severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall predicted to hit major cities and regional areas. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of “unsettled days” ahead, with damaging wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rainfall expected to lash the east coast from Friday to Saturday.
“Today we are looking at the possibility of thunderstorms all the way from southern Victoria across to South Australia and up into northern parts of NSW,” said Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jonathon Howe. “Parts of northern Victoria and northwestern NSW should also brace for damaging wind gusts on Friday afternoon.”
Sydney is expected to experience late thunderstorms and high winds through the afternoon and evening on both Friday and Saturday, following warm temperatures during the day. In Melbourne, a cool change is expected, with temperatures set to drop below 8C on Friday. Canberra, Adelaide, and Brisbane are also bracing for possible severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
The warnings come after Sydney was lashed with a heavy but short-lived thunderstorm on Monday night, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The NSW State Emergency Service received about 400 calls for help, with incredible images showing fallen trees, giant hailstones, and flooded streets across the Harbour City.
“At this stage, we’re not expecting any severe activity on Sunday, but thunderstorms are possible for northeast NSW and eastern Queensland,” said Mr. Howe. Tasmania is also expected to experience cold and wet weather over the weekend.
As the east coast prepares for a wild weekend, residents are being urged to stay vigilant and keep an eye on the latest weather forecasts. With the storm season well and truly underway, it’s crucial to stay prepared and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.