Australia: Severe weather forecast for southwestern New South Wales and western Victoria through at least Jan. 17

Severe weather is forecast across southwestern New South Wales and western Victoria through at least Jan. 17. As of the afternoon of Jan. 16, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for heavy rainfall across parts of Central West Slopes and Plains, Riverina and Lower Western forecast districts in New South Wales, and in parts of Mallee and Wimmera forecast districts in Victoria. A severe weather warning for heavy, locally intense rainfall is in place for Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Riverina, and Snowy Mountains forecast districts in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, and North East, East Gippsland, and West and South Gippsland forecast districts in Victoria. The following flood watches and warnings are in place:

• Flood Warning: Murray River in NSW and Murray River in Victoria

• Minor Flood Warning: Bellinger, Orara, Paroo, and Warrego rivers in NSW and Goulburn and Loddon rivers in Victoria

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours.

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 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 further bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways.

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.