Eastern Australia is bracing for a wave of intense storms as a cold front moves through the region. Severe weather conditions are forecast to bring large hailstones, dangerous wind gusts of up to 100 km/h, and heavy showers to a wide swath of the country, from Queensland down to Tasmania.
As the storms approach, residents are urged to take precautions, with the potential for significant disruption to daily life. The storm system is expected to impact not only the eastern states but also parts of central Australia and the northern regions of South Australia.
Powerful Winds and Risk of Property Damage
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued multiple severe weather warnings as the storms begin to hit. Southern New South Wales, Melbourne, and the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria are all at risk for damaging winds. Gusts have already reached up to 80 km/h at Melbourne Airport, and Hobart saw gusts of up to 100 km/h overnight.
These strong winds are capable of bringing down trees and causing significant property damage, especially as the gusts continue to intensify. Transport networks will also be impacted, with trees and debris potentially blocking roads and disrupting power lines.
Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury emphasized the force of the winds, calling them “really, really strong” and capable of causing extensive damage. Alongside these winds, large hailstones up to 4 cm in diameter could hit parts of northern New South Wales, southeast Queensland, and inland areas of the state.
The risk of hail will increase as storms develop throughout the afternoon, making it essential for residents in these areas to stay alert to changing conditions.
Essential Safety Measures
With severe weather bearing down on large parts of eastern Australia, authorities are urging residents to take several key safety measures. Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas at high risk of falling trees and debris. If possible, secure outdoor items around your property to prevent them from being blown away or damaged. Vehicles should be moved away from trees and other structures that could potentially be hit by hail or strong winds. It’s also important to stay indoors during the storm and avoid windows, as flying debris poses a serious risk to safety.
Flash Flooding and Continuing Storm Risks
The cold front will continue to move toward the Tasman Sea, but the storm risk won’t be over for all. Flash flooding remains a concern for parts of northeast New South Wales and southeast Queensland, where locally heavy rainfall could cause dangerous conditions.
While Brisbane may see some storms tomorrow, the worst of the severe weather is expected to affect southern inland Queensland and the mid-north coast. In addition to the wind and hail, heavy rain could lead to flash floods, making the situation even more precarious.
Bradbury warns that, beyond the immediate storm threats, the combined impacts of wind, rain, and hail could cause widespread disruptions. “We could see damage to trees, power outages, and transport delays,” she said. With conditions expected to worsen before the storms clear, residents must remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
