This week, southern Australia is bracing for another round of strong winds, as clean-up crews work tirelessly following recent severe weather that has caused widespread damage and disruption.
The region has been hit hard with record-breaking conditions. Victoria experienced wind gusts reaching up to 146 km/h, resulting in extensive power outages and significant damage.
As of 10 a.m., around 31,000 households in Victoria were still without power. Emergency services are dealing with over 600 homes damaged by wind and a collapsed building facade in Melbourne.
Tasmania remains under the impact of fierce winds, with gusts of 109 km/h recorded on Kunanyi/Mt Wellington. The cold temperatures, with a feels-like temperature of -21.6°C, have prompted warnings for hikers.
Tasmania’s severe winds continue, with hikers warned of extreme cold and dangerous conditions.The flood warning for the Derwent River has been downgraded from major to moderate, but the risk of flooding persists in several areas.
In New South Wales, strong winds and high waves continue to pose challenges. Rescue operations were conducted for two people from a yacht off the coast amidst 50-70 km/h winds and six-meter waves.
Extreme weather conditions have caused significant disruptions, with over 1,000 incidents reported, mainly due to wind damage.
Forecasts indicate that strong winds will persist, with severe weather warnings possible for Victoria on Friday. However, conditions are expected to be less intense than recent storms.
In the coming days, Sydney will see temperatures ranging from 22°C to 29°C, with potential showers over the weekend. Melbourne will experience cooler temperatures, with highs of 21°C to 26°C, and showers likely during the weekend.
Residents are advised to stay updated on weather warnings and remain prepared for ongoing weather challenges.