UPDATE: Severe weather is set to unleash chaos across both the east and west coasts of Australia, with high winds and storms battering Western Australia while northern New South Wales faces heavy rainfall and flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued urgent warnings as a potent cold front sweeps through WA today.
In Western Australia, damaging winds are expected to hit areas including Perth, Albany, and Bunbury. Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury warns that these winds, driven by showers and thunderstorms, could pose serious risks.
As conditions worsen, tens of thousands of residents in northern New South Wales are grappling with power outages. Over 27,500 homes and businesses lost electricity overnight due to unprecedented rainfall, which has resulted in flooding across the region. Rainfall amounts of 50 to 100mm have been recorded, particularly affecting parts of the Mid North Coast and northern Hunter.
In response to the severe conditions, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has dealt with over 745 incidents in just 24 hours. A new low-pressure system is anticipated to move up the NSW coast today, but while conditions may begin to ease by the afternoon, significant flooding remains a major concern.
Warnings have been escalated for major flooding in Tamworth and Gunnedah, as the Peel and Namoi rivers continue to rise. Residents in parts of Scone have been instructed to evacuate by 4 AM AEST due to imminent flood threats. Additionally, the SES is urging individuals at the Ferndale Caravan Park, north of Newcastle, to prepare for evacuation because of increased flows from Chichester Dam into the Williams River.
Dangerous coastal conditions have prompted authorities to warn surfers, fishers, and boaters to stay away from the water amid dangerous swells. Meanwhile, the Northern Tablelands experienced record snowfall, with notable depths recorded at Armidale and Guyra. The SES has responded to over 100 vehicles stranded in the snow on the New England Highway and surrounding roads.
In a dramatic turn of events, lightning forced a temporary halt during the highly anticipated rugby match between the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions in Sydney last night. The match, marred by torrential rain, saw several hundred fans evacuate to seek shelter amid dangerous weather conditions.
As Australia braces for further developments, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
