Australia: Adverse weather, disruptions continuing in eastern areas as of Oct. 24 /update 8

Event

Adverse weather continues to prompt flooding and disruptions in parts of eastern Australia as of Oct. 24. Officials have suspended flights in New South Wales (NSW) at Griffith Airport (GFF) in Griffith until further notice due to the adverse weather. Authorities continue to issue flood warnings for parts of NSW, Queensland, and Victoria states. Further adverse weather is forecast in some areas of these states through at least Oct. 25 and may exacerbate the ongoing flooding and associated disruptions, especially in areas where river levels are already high and the ground is saturated.

As of Oct. 24, authorities have issued severe thunderstorm warnings for damaging winds, large hailstones, and heavy rainfall across parts of Central Tablelands, Northwest Slopes and Planes, Central West Slopes and Planes, and Upper Western in NSW. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is maintaining the following flood watches and warnings across several others areas in the affected states:

• Officials have issued Major Flood Warnings for Balonne and Macintyre rivers in Queensland, the Loddon River in Victoria, as well as the Macintyre River in NSW.

• Minor to Moderate Flood Warnings remain in effect for several other rivers in the three states.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Tens of thousands of people across the southeast have been affected by widespread flooding in recent days, and thousands of homes have been inundated by floodwaters. Thousands of people have experienced power outages due to the weather, especially in Victoria; additional outages are possible. Thousands of residents remain displaced across the state and 11 relief centers have been established to accommodate those who cannot return home due to the floods.

As of Oct. 24, authorities have issued emergency warnings and evacuation orders for some locations near the Murray River, located on the border between NSW and Victoria. Evacuation warnings are also in effect in Victoria for Boort and Kerang, which are located near the Loddon River. NSW officials have issued evacuation orders for several other areas, including Picnic Point in Mathoura East, some towns along the Namoi and Mehi rivers, and for Terry Hie Hie town. Authorities will likely issue further evacuation orders if river levels continue to rise in the coming days; for the latest evacuation information for NSW click here and for Victoria, click here. Authorities have confirmed three fatalities from the weather, with the most recent death occurring near Mudgee, NSW Oct. 23.

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.

Resources

Australian Bureau of Meteorology
New South Wales State Emergency Service
Emergency Management Victoria