UPDATE: Severe weather is battering both coasts of Australia as high winds, storms, and flooding wreak havoc across the nation. As of this morning, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued urgent severe weather warnings for Western Australia and New South Wales, impacting thousands of residents and disrupting daily life.
A cold front is moving through Western Australia today, with damaging winds expected across the south west regions, including Perth, Albany, Bunbury, Margaret River, and the goldfields. Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury warned, “Most of these damaging wind gusts will be driven by showers and thunderstorms.”
In New South Wales, the situation is dire. Heavy rainfall has resulted in between 50 and 100mm of rain across the Mid North Coast and northern Hunter regions. Over the past 24 hours, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has responded to an alarming 745 incidents. Many residents spent the night without power as flooding and unprecedented snow caused chaos.
Major flooding warnings have been upgraded for Tamworth and Gunnedah due to rising levels in the Peel and Namoi rivers. Residents in parts of Scone are under evacuation orders effective by 4am AEST amid escalating flood threats. Furthermore, those living near the Ferndale Caravan Park, north of Newcastle, are urged to prepare for evacuation due to anticipated flooding from increased flows from Chichester Dam into the Williams River.
Authorities are also cautioning surfers, fishers, swimmers, and boating enthusiasts to stay away from the coast due to dangerous swells. In the Northern Tablelands, snow depths at Armidale and Guyra were recorded at unprecedented levels. The SES has had to assist over 100 vehicles stranded in the snow on the New England highway and surrounding roads.
Power disruptions have affected more than 27,500 homes and businesses across NSW, as reported by Essential Energy. Residents are reminded to maintain a safe distance of at least eight meters from fallen power lines, power poles, and damaged electrical equipment to ensure their safety.
In a notable incident last night, lightning forced the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions to seek cover during their match in Sydney. The match faced a rare 38-minute stoppage due to the storm, leading to hundreds of fans evacuating the stadium for safety. Despite the inclement weather, the Australians managed to secure victory and avoid a series whitewash.
As conditions are expected to ease by this afternoon, residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared as new low-pressure systems continue to push into the region. Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
