06 Jun 2023 | 08:56 AM UTC
Australia: Adverse weather forecast across southeastern regions through at least June 9
Severe weather forecast across much of southeastern Australia through at least June 9. Possible flooding and associated disruptions.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across much of southeastern Australia through at least June 9. A slow-moving cold front positioned near the South Australia-Victoria border as of late June 6 will bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible thunderstorms as it moves eastward across southeastern Australia over the coming days. The heaviest rainfall is expected in elevated parts of Victoria, with accumulations of over 10 cm (4 inches) possible through June 9. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.
As of late June 6, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall for parts of Riverland, Murraylands, Upper South East, and Lower South East forecast districts in far southeastern South Australia, as well as a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds for Mallee, North Central, Wimmera and parts of Central, South West, Northern Country, West and South Gippsland, and North East forecast districts in Victoria. Rainfall totals of 4-6 cm (1.6-2.4 inches) are expected in the affected areas through June 7, with isolated totals of up to 10 cm (4 inches) possible in parts of Victoria. Thunderstorms are also possible in the affected area and winds gusting up to 100 kph (62 mph) are forecast in the Grampians and central ranges of Victoria. An initial flood watch has been issued for Northern Victoria and the Greater Melbourne area. Authorities will likely issue new warnings and update existing advisories as the weather system moves eastward 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. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy 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.
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. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
