Australia: Adverse weather forecast across parts of Australia Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria through at least Dec. 27 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast across parts of eastern Australia through at least Dec. 27. Thunderstorms are predicted across the region. Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and large hailstones may accompany storms.

As of Dec. 27, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for damaging winds and large hailstones across parts of Metropolitan, Illawarra, and Central Tablelands forecast districts in New South Wales (NSW). Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Authorities have confirmed eight fatalities across eastern Australia, including two people in Victoria and six people in Queensland. A large boat capsized near Green Island in Moreton Bay with 11 people on board; one person remains missing. 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 electricity fully. Some theme parks in southeastern Queensland remained closed Dec. 27. Reports indicate that 30 houses in Pagewood, Sydney, NSW, were flooded Dec. 24. Sydney International Airport (SYD) canceled at least 23 flights Dec. 25.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further 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 further 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. Further electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.