Heavy rainfall is set to drench parts of Queensland and New South Wales this weekend, with authorities urging motorists to stay off the roads.
According to Laura Boekel, a senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, a trough is causing significant rainfall across both states. The atmosphere’s high moisture levels are fueling storms that are bringing heavy rain.
On Friday afternoon, major flooding hit parts of Sydney, leading to warnings for drivers to avoid unnecessary travel.
A severe weather warning is in effect along the NSW coast from Morisset to Bega, extending west to the Central and Southern Tablelands. Severe thunderstorms are also expected from the Queensland border to Wollongong and west to Griffith and Cobar.
Severe weather alert: Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across eastern Australia this weekend.Sydney recorded its highest daily rainfall in two years on Friday, with 111mm in 24 hours. The city is expected to experience further rainfall of 10mm to 50mm on Saturday, with conditions easing on Sunday.
Warragamba Dam, Sydney’s main reservoir, is near full capacity and may spill soon, according to Andrew George of Water NSW.
The severe weather is driven by an inland low and coastal trough combining over NSW. The SES has warned of dangerous flash flooding, which is expected to continue over the weekend, particularly in southern and southeastern Queensland. Flood warnings are in place for Charleville’s Warrego River, with river levels expected to rise significantly.
Queensland police have urged drivers to reconsider travel plans due to the hazardous conditions. The SES has received numerous assistance calls and has responded to multiple incidents across NSW. Train services are delayed, and several flights have been canceled or delayed.