Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are set to persist along Australia’s east coast until at least Wednesday evening, leaving thousands of homes without power on Boxing Day.
Weather warnings have been issued for large areas of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, impacting both metropolitan and regional locations. On Tuesday afternoon, two women went missing in Gympie, 170 km north of Brisbane, amid severe flooding. A search and rescue operation is underway.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning for giant hail in the Hunter region, with thunderstorms exacerbated by a humid, unstable air mass.
Rutherford, near Newcastle, reported four-centimeter hailstones and further hail is anticipated overnight in Maitland, Cessnock, and Greater Newcastle.
Two women went missing in Gympie floodwaters; search and rescue efforts are ongoing.The storms are expected to cause damaging winds and heavy rain, potentially leading to flash flooding as they move towards Sydney.
Flood warnings are in effect for the South Coast and Snowy River, impacting catchments along the Moruya, Deua, Tuross, and Towamba rivers.
Senior meteorologist Angus Hines warned of extensive severe thunderstorm risks from central Queensland to eastern Victoria, with Queensland likely to face the brunt of the storms on Tuesday night.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and other affected areas, with concerns over damaging winds, large hailstones, and heavy rain. Flood warnings extend to the Logan, Moonie, Paroo, and Lower Barcoo rivers, as well as parts of the Cape York Peninsula.
The storms have led to over 120,000 power outages in southeast Queensland. A woman died in Helensvale after being struck by a falling tree. Queensland’s Deputy Premier Cameron Dick described the situation as a “mini cyclone,” emphasizing the significant damage and lengthy power restoration expected.
Victoria has also been hit hard, with warnings for intense rainfall and flood risks in Gippsland and central Victoria. A man was killed by a falling tree in Caringal. The storms are anticipated to subside by Wednesday afternoon.