Urgent thunderstorm warning issued to Queensland and NSW as Aussies are told to prepare for blackouts
Experts are warning of possible power outages and damage to cars and property amid the threat of severe storms in south-east Australia’s most popular tourist hotspots.
The Bureau of Meteorology warned on Thursday evening that potentially severe storms could inundate parts of south-east Queensland and northern NSW.
Severe storms developed on Thursday afternoon and were most likely from Byron Bay in northern NSW to as far south as Port Macquarie.
Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said the soggy weather brought the risk of damaging winds and hail, including in south-east Queensland.
“Storms are possible today across much of central and south-eastern QLD and north-eastern NSW, extending all the way to the Hunter to west of Sydney,” she said.
“In areas with severe storms, we could see damaging winds and large hail. Heavy rain is less likely today, although we could still see some short, sharp showers.
‘Damaging winds and heavy hail could cause trees and branches to fall, potentially hitting property or cars and causing some damage.
“We may also experience power outages or disruptions to traffic and transportation due to these severe weather events.”
The Bureau of Meteorology warned on Thursday evening that potentially severe storms could inundate parts of south-east Queensland and northern NSW
Severe storms developed on Thursday afternoon and were most likely from Byron Bay in northern NSW to as far south as Port Macquarie (stock image)
The Bureau warned that parts of the NSW Northern Rivers and the mid-north coast were at greatest risk, including the Byron Bay area, Lismore and Coffs Harbour.
Although the weather will extend as far south as the Blue Mountains, only 15mm of rain is forecast in Sydney on Thursday before tapering off to 1mm on Friday.
Skies will remain clear this weekend as the Bureau said the cold weather front interacting with warm weather from the north moves away from the mainland.
Further north, the Bureau expects Brisbane to experience only ‘standard or non-severe storms’ on Thursday afternoon, with less than 1mm expected on Friday.
Nevertheless, showers will persist throughout the weekend with up to 15mm on Sunday, with no more than 2mm forecast for Melbourne until Sunday.
Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said there was a risk of damaging winds and hail, including in south-east Queensland
In the south, bushwalkers were told that snow was expected on the western and central plateau on Thursday afternoon up to 500 metres.
Hobart will also see a range of 1-5mm on Thursday, with up to 2mm on Saturday; Adelaide will be cloudy with no rain forecast.
Canberra is expected to get a late shower on Thursday but will be sunny through the weekend, while Perth and Darwin are expected to see clear skies and heat.