Australia: Adverse weather forecast to continue across parts of eastern New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory through at least Feb. 23

Severe weather is forecast to continue over parts of eastern New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory through at least Feb. 23. As of Feb. 19, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and large hailstones across parts of Central Tablelands, Northern Tablelands, Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Upper Western, Snowy Mountains, and Australian Capital Territory forecast districts. Severe weather is forecast to persist through at least Feb. 23. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours.

Four people were hospitalized with burns after being struck by lightning in Sydney the afternoon of Feb. 19. Damage to a runway at Sydney Airport (SYD) has resulted in flight delays. Train services are suspended on parts of the T1, T9, and CCN lines between Gordon and North Sydney due to damage at Milsons Point and North Sydney. Tens of thousands of people in Balgowlah, Belrose, Hornsby, Seaforth, Thornleigh, and Turramurra were without power due to lightning and damage.

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 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 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.