Australia: Severe weather forecast over southern Queensland and most of New South Wales through at least April 7 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast across southern Queensland and most of New South Wales through at least April 7. Authorities have confirmed one fatality in Greenbank in the City of Logan, Queensland, early April 4 due to flooding. As of April 5, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued the following warnings:

• Severe weather warning for heavy, locally intense rainfall and damaging winds: Parts of Australian Capital Territory and parts of Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, Hunter, Central Tablelands, and Snowy Mountains forecast districts in New South Wales. Widespread heavy to locally intense rainfall and damaging wind gusts are likely about central parts of the coast and ranges the evening of April 5 before moving south April 6. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 5-9 cm (2-3.5 inches) are likely, reaching up to 13 cm (5 inches) over the Blue Mountains and Illawarra escarpment. Within the broad heavy rainfall area, locally intense rainfall, which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flooding, is possible between the Blue Mountains and Narooma the evening of April 4-early April 5, with localized six-hourly rainfall totals of 9-15 cm (3.5-6 inches) possible. Damaging easterly winds of 60-70 kph (37-43 mph) are possible the evening of April 4 along the coastal strip south of and including the Sydney metro area, as well as adjacent elevated areas, particularly those above 500 meters (1,640 feet).

• Severe weather warning for damaging surf: Parts of Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, and South Coast forecast districts in New South Wales. Heavy surf, which may lead to localized damage and coastal erosion, is possible between Crowdy Head and Port Hacking late April 5 before gradually moving southwards to areas south of Broken Bay April 6 and contracting to south of Ulladulla the late afternoon of April 6. Beach conditions could be dangerous; residents should stay well away from the surf and surf-exposed areas.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours and days. Flood watches and flood warnings are in place across the affected area, including major flood warnings for the Warrego River in Queensland and Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers in New South Wales.

Officials canceled six international flights and 109 domestic flights at Sydney Airport (SYD) as of the afternoon of April 5. All runways remain open. The severe weather also damaged equipment at Redfern Station, resulting in major service delays. More information about train delays can be found here. Numerous roads across the affected area are closed, including the Mitchell Highway between Charleville and Augathella and part of the Landsborough Highway in Queensland. More information about road closures for Queensland can be found here and for New South Wales here. A vehicular accident on the Castlereagh Highway south of Mudgee in the New South Wales central coast the afternoon of April 5 resulted in six injuries. Buses are replacing ferry services between Rydalmere and Parramatta due to the Parramatta weir overflowing.

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.