30 May 2022 | 05:13 AM UTC
Australia: Severe weather forecast across parts of southern and eastern regions through at least June 3
Severe weather forecast across parts of southern and eastern Australia through at least June 3. Flooding, disruptions possible.
Event
Severe weather, including damaging winds, is forecast across New South Wales, far southeastern Queensland, most of South Australia, and northern Victoria through at least June 3. As of May 30, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued severe weather warnings for damaging winds across the flowing areas:
Australian Capital Territory: most of the territory.
New South Wales: most of the state.
Queensland: Southeast Coast, Wide Bay and Burnett, and Darling Downs and Granite Belt forecast districts.
South Australia: West Coast, Lower Eyre Peninsula, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Flinders, Mid North, Riverland, Yorke Peninsula, Murraylands, North West Pastoral, and North East Pastoral districts.
Victoria: Mallee, Northern Country, and North East forecast districts.
Reports indicate that a mini-tornado hit Salisbury and the surrounding suburbs in South Australia early May 30, causing significant damage and flooding in the area. More than 1,800 customers are without power in the northern suburbs; authorities estimate that power will be restored by 17:00 May 30.
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.
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 airports in the region. 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.
