Australia: Severe weather forecast over southeastern regions through at least Sept. 3

Severe weather is forecast across parts of southeastern Australia through at least Sept. 3. As of Sept. 2, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings for damaging winds across the Australian Capital Territory, southeastern New South Wales, central Tasmania, and most of Victoria. Winds gusting over 100 kph (62 mph) are possible in elevated parts of the region. A major flood warning is in place for the River Derwent in Tasmania, with moderate to minor flood warnings across most of the rest of Tasmania. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Evacuation warnings are in place across parts of Tasmania, including areas in the Derwent and Styx rivers, Meadowbank to Macquarie Plains, and Bushy Park to Macquarie Plains. Emergency shelters are located at the Derwent Valley Sports and Recreation Centre and the Memorial Hall, both in New Norfolk. Authorities have confirmed one fatality and one other person injured in Moama Town, New South Wales, after a tree fell on their cabin early Sept. 2. Two Tasmania State Emergency Service workers were injured late Sept. 1. One person remains missing after being swept off the rocks in Granite Island, south of Adelaide, South Australia, Sept. 1.

More than 45 flights were canceled at Sydney Airport (SYD) Sept. 2 due to strong winds. In Victoria, buses are replacing trains on the V/Line from Pakenham to Bairnsdale and on the Sandringham Line between South Yarra and Sandringham. More than 600 homes across Victoria have been damaged. Reports indicate that more than 38,000 properties across Tasmania, more than 150,000 people in Victoria, and around 90 intersections in the metropolitan Melbourne area in Victoria are without power. Several schools across Tasmania and Victoria are closed Sept. 2 due to the severe weather.

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.