10 Nov 2021 | 04:56 AM UTC
Australia: Severe weather forecast in parts of central and eastern regions through at least Nov. 12 /update 2
Severe weather forecast in parts of central and eastern Australia through at least Nov. 12. Transport and utility disruptions possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast for central and eastern New South Wales, southern Northern Territory, southeastern Queensland, and most of South Australia through Nov. 12 as a low-pressure system transits the region. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued the following severe weather warnings:
Damaging winds and heavy rainfall: parts of West Coast, Flinders, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Mid North, North West Pastoral, and North East Pastoral districts in South Australia; parts of Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West and Maranoa, and Warrego forecast districts in Queensland.
Heavy rainfall: parts of North West Slopes and Plains, Mid North Coast, Hunter, and Northern Tablelands forecast districts in New South Wales; parts of Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Maranoa, and Warrego forecast districts in Queensland.
Heavy rainfall, large hailstones, and damaging winds: parts of Simpson, Lasseter, Barkly, and Tanami districts in Northern Territory; North West Pastoral District in South Australia; parts of Hunter, Central Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, and South West Slopes forecast districts in New South Wales.
The following flood watches are in place:
Eastern desert areas in Western Australia.
Southern Northern Territory.
Portions of the North West and North East Pastoral Districts, West Coast, Flinders Ranges, and Eastern Eyre Peninsula districts in South Australia.
Catchments in the Northern and Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Riverina, and Mid North Coast in New South Wales; major flooding is likely in the North West and South West Slopes.
Southwest and southern Queensland; major flooding is likely in the Darling Downs and Granite Belt region while minor to moderate flooding is forecast across most of the southern interior.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Multiple roads across Australia, including the Arnhem, Plenty, and Stuart highways in the Northern Territory as well as the Gore Highway between Goondiwindi and Millmerran and the Leichhardt Highway between Goondiwindi and Moonie in Queensland, are impassable due to flooding. The Bruce Highway in Queensland was temporarily closed but has since been reopened.
Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds and large waves trigger hazardous sea conditions.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and employees' inability to reach work sites. Electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Allow extra time for travel in the affected area and plan alternative routes if necessary. Do not drive on flooded roads.
