Australia Braces for Cyclone Threat Amid Widespread Storm Warnings and Flood Alerts

On Wednesday, northern and eastern Australia continued to experience wet weather, with Queensland bracing for the possibility of another cyclone.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) reported a 55% chance that a low-pressure system in the Coral Sea could develop into a tropical cyclone by Monday, with the likelihood increasing to 60% by Tuesday evening.

The BoM warned of a “significant risk” to the Queensland coast, with a “severe impact” possible. Initially, the system will move east but is expected to shift towards the coast from Sunday, potentially affecting areas from Cooktown to Mackay by late Tuesday.

In preparation, the state disaster coordinator, Shane Chelepy, is working with communities affected by Cyclone Jasper, such as Degarra and Wujal Wujal. Efforts are underway with local communities and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to ensure readiness for the potential cyclone.

Meanwhile, storm warnings were issued for Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne. Flash flooding alerts were active for northeast Victoria, with flood warnings extending across New South Wales, the Northern Territory, and southern Queensland.

Sydney’s outer west, including areas like Katoomba and Dubbo, faced severe thunderstorm alerts, with expected rain totals of 50-80mm, leading to possible flash flooding and damaging winds.

Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore attributed the heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to unusually high sea surface temperatures and persistent easterly winds. He noted that warmer sea temperatures result in increased moisture and more intense rain events.

In Western Australia, severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for the Kimberley region, and 22,000 people in the Perth Hills and Wheatbelt faced power outages after storms damaged infrastructure.

Perth’s inland areas were expected to experience high temperatures and thunderstorms, with potential large hail and heavy rainfall. Flood watches and severe weather warnings also remained for parts of the Northern Territory, reflecting an unusually wet summer.