'Double weather system' to smash Australia's east with rain, storms
As this week’s trough continues to push east “very slowly”, severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are set to continue to lash Australia’s eastern states over the weekend.
Large parts of northern NSW, eastern Queensland, Victoria and northern Tasmania are bracing for more rough weather.
While forecasts predict that it is far from over with a new system on the way for the country’s east next week.
Residents of NSW have been put on alert with forecasters warning of “life-threatening” flash flooding across the state’s north on Friday.
“Given the current state of rivers across NSW, we’re already seeing moderate to major flooding,” Weatherzone meteorologist Andrew Schmidt told Yahoo News Australia.
“So any storms that we’re getting, particularly with this heavy rainfall, are certainly bringing the risk of inundation.”
Double whammy of weather systems for Australia’s east
While the current trough is set to wreak havoc on the country’s eastern states until Sunday, there will be no reprieve for residents with a new system on its tail.
“We will start to see that next trough pushing in from the west also on Sunday as well,” Mr Schmidt said.
“So that is likely to bring widespread rain and storms again, particularly over eastern South Australia, inland NSW and again the big concern is for Victoria where Monday is looking like one of the worst days for them.”
Over a 24-hour period on Monday, falls of up to 60 millimetres are expected across Victoria as the next trough comes through.
“We will still see some remnants over eastern parts of Victoria on Tuesday but by Wednesday, aside from some light showers, the main brunt of it should be offshore at that point.”
Showers and storms are also expected to hit areas of inland NSW already affected by heavy rainfall including the Slopes and Plains and Western Riverina regions.
“So not too many places will miss out with this kind of double system that's coming through,” Mr Schmidt said.
⚠️ Moderate to Major Flood Warning for the Gwydir and Mehi Rivers. Moderate flooding likely at #Moree Saturday. See https://t.co/q3dElZSC23 for details and updates; follow advice from @NSWSES. #NSWFloods pic.twitter.com/w05V5uXGeo
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) October 20, 2022
Slow moving storms leave NSW inundated
It’s been a soaking start to Friday for those in the North West Slopes and Plains.
In the six hours to 5am, both Moree Airport and Terry Hie Hie recorded 95 millimetres of rain, while 83 millimetres fell in Upper Horton.
“That heavy rainfall is likely to continue throughout the day, mainly over the North West Slopes and Plains but the entirety of eastern NSW is at risk of seeing showers and storms later today,” Mr Schmidt said.
“Given the very slow moving nature of this trough, heavy rainfall is definitely a concern simply because any thunderstorms that do pop up aren't moving particularly fast as they push through.”
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