Australia: Adverse weather forecast across eastern regions through at least Oct. 14 /update 3

Event

Heavy rainfall is forecast across parts of eastern Australia through at least Oct. 14. As of Oct. 11, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has warned of heavy rainfall across parts of New South Wales, southern Queensland, Tasmania, and Victoria Oct. 12-14. The heaviest rainfall is forecast in southern NSW, much of northern Victoria, and northern Tasmania. Heavy downpours may also be accompanied by strong wind gusts in places. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding and landslides in parts of the affected region, especially in areas where the ground is saturated and river levels are already high following previous rainfall. Flooding could isolate communities due to impassable roads and strong winds could down power lines causing electricity outages.

As of late Oct. 11, the BOM has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Severe weather warning for heavy rainfall: Parts of Riverina and Lower Western forecast districts in NSW and parts of Mallee, Northern Country, Central, South West, North Central, and Wimmera forecast districts in Victoria.

• Severe weather warning for intense rainfall and damaging winds: The Furneaux Islands, across North East, North West Coast, and Central North forecast districts, as well as parts of Western, South East, East Coast, Central Plateau, and Midlands forecast districts in Tasmania.

Due to the threat of flooding, the BOM has issued the following flood warnings across NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, and Victoria;

• Minor to major flood warnings: Barwon, Bogan, Bokhara, Culgoa, Darling, Lachlan, Macquarie, Murrumbidgee, and Namoi rivers in NSW.

• Moderate flood warnings: Bulloo, Lower Macintyre, and Paroo rivers in Queensland; Castlereagh and Lower Macintyre rivers in NSW, and Avoca and Loddon rivers in Victoria.

• Minor to moderate flood warnings: Murray and Warrego rivers in NSW, and Murray River in Victoria.

• Minor flood warnings: Balonne, lower Barcoo, and Condamine rivers and Cooper Creek in Queensland; Gwydir, Hawkesbury, Hunter, Macintyre, Paroo, Severn, Snowy, and Wollombi rivers in NSW, and Kiewa and Snowy rivers in Victoria.

• Flood warnings: Weir River in Queensland and NSW.

• Initial flood watch: Parts of central-west and southwest inland rivers in NSW; northern and parts of southern Victoria, and northwest, north, northeast, and Derwent catchments in Tasmania.

Marine wind warnings have also been issued for parts of the NSW, Tasmania, and Victoria coasts. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Authorities in NSW have issued around 100 flood alerts across NSW as of Oct. 11, including emergency warnings with evacuation orders in parts of the Wagga Wagga area. Authorities will likely issue new warnings and could authorize further evacuations over the coming days; for full details on flood warnings and evacuation orders for NSW click here.

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 additional flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected region.

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