Flood warnings as 'severe weather system' to batter three states
Get ready for a whole lot more rain.
Parts of NSW can expect to receive a month's worth of rain over the next three days as residents along Australia's east cost are being warned to prepare for nasty weather and potential flooding.
Flood warnings are in place for parts of Queensland, NSW and Victoria as heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the rest of the week.
Those who live close to the Queensland border and along the western slopes, should prepare for heavy rain and possible flash flooding, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned.
Daily rainfalls of 150 millimetres or higher are expected to end the working week.
Western Queensland is expected to see three times their November rainfall over the same short period.
Victoria, already battered by recent storms, is bracing for gusty south-easterly winds, particularly across southern and mountain area.
This is an unusual wind direction, and in combination with wet ground, will be more likely to bring down trees and powerlines as well as cause minor property damage.
Locals say they can’t recall seeing the Todd River this high. More than 90mm overnight - Alice Springs hasn’t had that much rain in one dump since 2001 @abcdarwin @abcnews pic.twitter.com/0SHXW8sVnv
— Eliza Goetze (@elizagoetze) November 10, 2021
Three states threatened by 'severe weather system'
Bureau of Meteorology Hazard Preparedness and Response East Manager Jane Golding said key areas of concern ranged from Queensland down through to Victoria, and included river catchments close to the NSW-Queensland border and along the western slopes in NSW.
"That's why we're warning people early to be prepared for this severe weather system," Ms Golding said.
"This kind of heavy rainfall over a short period of time can cause dangerous flash flooding and combined with the fact that many river catchments down the east coast are already quite wet, there is a very real risk that we may see some rivers flood too.
"Please make sure you're staying up to date with current forecasts and warnings and be careful when you are out and about this week."
NSW SES acting commissioner Colin Malone said the storm season had just begun, and urged residents not to be complacent, to stay alert and have a plan.
"Just because your particular town may not have been called out, please remain aware of what is happening around you," he said on Tuesday.
Many catchments likely to be affected by flooding are currently wet following previous rainfall.
This clip shows 'precipitable water' over the next 2 weeks – a measure of how much moisture is available in the atmosphere to fuel rain. The developing La Niña is pumping moisture-laden air towards Australia, where it will cause widespread rain and storms during the next 10 days. pic.twitter.com/yvjAVtnAv8
— Ben Domensino (@Ben_Domensino) November 3, 2021
Residents and visitors in affected areas are urged to closely monitor warnings and updates over coming days.
Australia's west coast has already been lashed with heavy rain.
Yesterday, Perth saw its highest daily rainfall for the month of November since 1956, with data extending as far back as 1880, Weatherzone said.
Between 4am and 6am, the city collected a massive 40mm of rain. That two-hour deluge is close to two months' worth of rain for this time of year.
A developing La Niña cycle is contributing to a wetter outlook for spring and summer across parts of Australia.
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