A severe weather system wreaked havoc across Australia’s southeast, resulting in one fatality, widespread power outages, and significant property damage.
A 63-year-old woman tragically lost her life after a tree fell on her holiday park cabin in Moama, on the New South Wales-Victoria border. A 63-year-old man sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
The destructive cold fronts have caused chaos from Tasmania to New South Wales, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding. Tasmania experienced rainfalls of up to 60mm over the weekend, prompting 20 flood warnings.
The Derwent River was expected to surpass the major flood level on Monday, threatening homes and roads in the region. Tasmanian authorities urged residents near the Derwent River to evacuate immediately, with half of them having already fled by Monday morning.
Floodwaters rise in Tasmania’s Derwent River, forcing evacuations as authorities warn of continued danger from the severe storm system.Victoria was also hard-hit, with the State Emergency Service receiving 2,800 calls for assistance between Sunday evening and Monday morning.
Over 1,000 reports of fallen trees and 350 homes damaged by winds were recorded. Power outages affected approximately 120,000 homes in Victoria and 25,000 in Tasmania. Tasmanian authorities warned that power restoration might take up to five days in some areas.
In Sydney, high winds forced the cancellation of at least 90 domestic flights on Monday. Melbourne’s West Gate Bridge had its speed limit reduced to 40km/h due to strong winds.
Coastal areas faced high tides, erosion risks, and dangerous surf conditions, while inland regions battled elevated fire risks. The wild weather is expected to ease by Monday evening in Victoria and Tasmania, with relief reaching New South Wales overnight.