Severe Weather Warnings Issued Across Central and Southern Australia Amidst Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat

Widespread Severe Weather Grips Australia

Large parts of central and southern Australia are currently under severe weather warnings, as a significant weather system brings heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and the threat of life-threatening flash flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued multiple alerts, impacting residents across Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania.

The widespread inclement weather is primarily driven by a tropical low situated over the Northern Territory border region, which is gradually moving southward and intensifying. This system is drawing in rich tropical moisture, leading to persistent and heavy falls across affected areas.

Queensland and Northern Territory Face Intense Conditions

Queensland's Gulf Country, North West, Channel Country, and parts of the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, and Capricornia Forecast Districts are experiencing severe conditions. Forecasts indicate heavy to locally intense rainfall, with six-hourly totals between 55 and 90 mm likely, and isolated falls potentially reaching 140 mm. Over a 24-hour period, rainfall could accumulate between 100 and 150 mm, with some areas seeing up to 200 mm. Locations such as Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Camooweal, Urandangi, Dajarra, and Duchess are among those expected to be affected. Central Queensland has been particularly saturated since December, making catchments highly responsive to even moderate rainfall.

In the Northern Territory, severe thunderstorm warnings for heavy rain are in effect for parts of the Barkly, Simpson, and Tanami districts. Areas including Alice Springs, Arltunga, Santa Teresa, Titjikala, and the Simpson District east of Finke are at risk of flash flooding. A remote community, Alpurrurulam, recently recorded 250 mm of rainfall over a Friday night and Saturday morning, marking its largest downpour in over a decade. The BoM has warned of 24-hour totals of up to 160 mm in the central NT.

Broader Impacts and Emergency Advice

The severe weather extends beyond Queensland and the Northern Territory. South Australia is under a flood watch for parts of its north-eastern and central regions, with Port Augusta recording 48.8 mm of rain in six hours. In Victoria, more than 100 mm fell in parts of the alpine and border regions, triggering flash flooding around Wodonga. The state also faces a risk of landslides and debris flow in areas recently affected by bushfires. New South Wales has severe thunderstorm warnings for heavy rainfall in parts of the Metropolitan, Lower Western, Snowy Mountains, South West Slopes, and Riverina Forecast Districts. Even Tasmania has experienced severe weather, with damaging northwesterly winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h and peak gusts exceeding 100 km/h in the southeast, including Hobart.

The BoM and emergency services urge residents in affected areas to:

• Stay informed by monitoring official weather warnings.
• Take safety precautions, including remaining indoors during heavy storms.
• Avoid driving through floodwaters, as 'if it's flooded, forget it.'
• Park vehicles undercover and away from trees.
• Close doors and windows.
• Keep asthma medications close, as storms and wind can trigger attacks.
• Charge mobile phones and power banks in case of power outages.
• Secure pets in a safe place.

The persistent heavy rainfall, combined with cooler-than-average conditions and gusty winds, also poses a threat to cattle and other livestock. Road closures and community isolation are possible in interior parts of the country.