Australia: Severe weather ongoing across parts of southern New South Wales and northern Victoria Nov. 26

Severe weather is ongoing across parts of southern New South Wales and northern Victoria as of Nov. 26. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for damaging to destructive winds, large hailstones, and heavy rainfall for parts of Northern Country and North East forecast districts in Victoria and a severe thunderstorm warning for damaging winds and heavy rainfall for parts of Riverina Forecast District in New South Wales. Vic Emergency has issued an Emergency Warning for severe thunderstorms in Wodonga, Yarrawonga, Wangaratta, Bright, and surrounding areas, advising residents to shelter indoors immediately as the storms could be very dangerous. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days. The BoM has forecast further showers and isolated storms across the region through at least Nov. 30. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

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.