Canberra: Australia weather warnings remain in place as severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and flash flooding threaten several states over the weekend, following widespread flooding in Queensland and hundreds of emergency callouts.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has forecast severe thunderstorms across South Australia and Victoria on October 24. The storm system is expected to move towards New South Wales (NSW) and Tasmania by October 25, raising concerns about further flooding.
Parts of Victoria, including Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, could experience severe storms. Central and eastern South Australia are also at risk, while heavy rainfall is expected to reach Tasmania overnight into Sunday morning.
Queensland continues to face flooding risks after days of intense rainfall across the south-east. The BoM had 9 flood warnings in place for southern Queensland as emergency services remained on alert.
The Sunshine Coast hinterland and Caboolture recorded rainfall totals of 300–400mm over 7 days, with some areas receiving as much as 450mm. The persistent downpours have left communities vulnerable to further flash flooding.
Torrential rain on October 22 caused flash flooding across south-east Queensland, prompting water rescues and hundreds of calls for assistance. Several schools closed on October 23 because of dangerous conditions, while heavy rainfall stretched from Caboolture south towards the Border Ranges.
Some locations recorded more than 200mm of rain during October 22nds downpour. Queensland fire and emergency crews carried out more than 16 swift-water rescues as floodwaters affected roads and threatened motorists.
In Caboolture, rescuers used a raft to reach an elderly man clinging to the roof of his vehicle. With further severe weather forecast across several states, authorities continue to warn of flooding risks as the storm system moves eastwards and towards Tasmania.
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