Australia: Adverse weather forecast across parts of Australia Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria through at least Dec. 27

Severe weather is forecast across parts of eastern Australia through at least Dec. 27. Thunderstorms are forecast across the region, with the most severe weather likely in parts of eastern NSW and central Victoria. Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and large hailstones may accompany storms.

As of Dec. 26, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and large hailstones across parts of North Central, Central, Northern Country, North East, West and South Gippsland, East Gippsland, and South West forecast districts in Victoria, and Hunter, Metropolitan and parts of Mid North Coast, Central Tablelands, and Illawarra forecast districts in NSW. A severe thunderstorm warning for heavy rainfall is in place for parts of Central and South West forecast districts in Victoria. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Authorities have confirmed one fatality in Helensvale on the Gold Coast, Queensland, due to a falling tree late Dec. 25. More than 120,000 homes across southeastern Queensland, mostly in Brisbane and the Gold Coast area, were without power Dec. 25; it could take days to restore power fully. Theme parks in southeastern Queensland are closed Dec. 26. Reports indicate that 30 houses in Pagewood, Sydney, NSW, were flooded Dec. 24. At least 23 flights at Sydney International Airport (SYD) were canceled Dec. 25.

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 heavy rain has saturated the soil.

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 with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

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.