Australia: Adverse weather, disruptions continuing in eastern areas as of Dec. 12 /update 14

Event

Adverse weather continues to prompt flooding and disruptions in parts of eastern Australia as of Dec. 12. Authorities continue to issue flood warnings for parts of New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria states. Further severe weather is forecast.

As of Dec. 12, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued the following severe thunderstorm and severe weather warnings:

• Damaging winds, large hailstones, and heavy rainfall: Maranoa, Warrego, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, and Channel Country forecast districts in Queensland

• Destructive winds and giant hailstones: North West Slopes and Plains, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Northern Tablelands, Central Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, and Upper Western forecast districts in New South Wales

• Damaging winds: Hunter, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, Mid North Coast, Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast, North West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, and Northern Tablelands forecast districts in New South Wales as well as Australian Capital Territory

The BOM is also maintaining the following flood watches and warnings across the affected area:

• Minor to major flood warning: Barwon, Darling, Edward, Lachlan, Murray, and Murrumbidgee rivers in NSW and Murray and Edward rivers in Victoria

• Moderate flood warning: Bogan River in Victoria

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

Widespread flooding has affected tens of thousands of people across the southeast in recent weeks, and floodwaters have inundated many homes. Thousands of residents were displaced across the states, and officials established relief centers to accommodate those who cannot return home due to the floods. As of Dec. 12, floodwaters have receded in some places, and residents were allowed to return home.

Authorities are maintaining emergency warnings and evacuation orders for Alice Edwards Village and Tilpa in NSW. Watch and Act advisories are in place across inland NSW and northwestern Victoria. 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.

Due to flooding and damage, parts of the Cobb and Newell highways in NSW are closed. Multiple other regional roads are closed across NSW and Victoria states; for the latest road status information for NSW click here and for Victoria, click here. Severe weather Dec. 12 has resulted in damaged equipment at Milsons Point; authorities have completed repairs but trains remain delayed on the T1 North Shore and Western Line and the T9 Nothern Line. Authorities temporarily closed all runways at Sydney Airport (SYD) Dec. 12 for around 15 minutes due to strong winds.

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 possible 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