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A massive downpour brings heavy showers, thunderstorms and strong wind gusts across NSW, while widespread flooding threatens landslides, flash flooding and a washout at the Bathurst 1000.
In Sydney and inland New South Wales, soggy dams and watersheds are being put to the test by the weekend’s intense downpours, after Sydney surpassed its wettest year on record this week.
Much of Victoria and Queensland will also be in the firing line, with state emergency services warning against unnecessary travel.
It comes after heavy rains closed down roads in Melbourne on Friday, with the SES receiving more than 300 calls for help in Victoria.
Campers on the Bathurst 1000 have been warned of muddy, stormy and potentially dangerous conditions, with severe falls predicted over Mount Panorama on Saturday and Sunday.
Strong winds and rain will continue to plague Australia’s east coast, weather experts have warned (above: Total rainfall for the two days of the weekend)
Relentless rainfall in eastern Australia will continue even after Sydney (pictured) surpasses wettest year on record
Much of Victoria and Queensland will also be in the firing line, with state emergency services warning against unnecessary travel (pictured, flooded roads in Melbourne on Friday)
Up to 100mm could fall on the tens of thousands of fans expected to arrive, potentially leading to flooding along the Macquarie River in Bathurst.
Free sandbags are available in town, while volunteers check in with residents and tourists camping by the river.
Steph Cooke, NSW’s Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, told residents to ‘leave the racing to the professionals’ and take extra care on the roads.
The trough that followed towards the coast above NSW developed on Saturday and was likely to bring heavy rainfall and the risk of flash flooding, Helen Kirkup of the Bureau of Meteorology said on Friday.
Six-per-hour rainfall totals of 30-50 millimeters are forecast in the Central Tablelands, the Hunter region and metropolitan Sydney, with isolated areas expected to receive up to 70mm.
After a soggy week in NSW, heavy falls on already saturated soils would increase the risk of landslides and debris falling over roads, Ms Kirkup said.
While the worst weather is forecast for Sydney, the Hunter region and the Central Tablelands, other areas can also expect rain.
The system is expected to blanket the state, with widespread showers predicted from the mid-north coast to the southern end of the state.
Harmful winds are forecast along the Sydney and Illawarra coast from Saturday to Sunday morning, with winds reaching 60-70 km/h and peak gusts over 90 km/h.
Wild weather comes after heavy rain in Melbourne on Friday, with the SES receiving more than 300 calls for help in Victoria
Conditions will be tough on Mount Panorama with the Flood refusing the Bathurst 1000. to save
As rain continues to permeate much of NSW, flooding spikes along the already swollen rivers, the agency has warned of a widespread risk of significant river flooding for multiple inland watersheds.
Major flooding occurs along the Macquarie, Darling, Culgoa and Lachlan rivers.
Re-flooding poses a risk in inland and coastal watersheds, including the Gwydir, Namoi, Macquarie and Belubula Rivers, Mandagery Creek, the Lachlan and Bogan Rivers, Colo River, Wollombi Brook and Lower Hunter.
State Emergency Operations Controller Peter Cotter asked the community to work with the emergency services and follow any directions they were given.
A terrifying weather map has revealed the 400km stretch of Australia’s coast will be hammered by a mega storm that will cause more flooding for NSW locals
“Those in flood-prone areas are urged to avoid essential travel and drive according to road conditions,” he said.
“Please stick to the road closures and remember, if it’s under water, forget it.”
Victoria SES asked Victorians to prepare for the effects of flooding.
‘If you are well prepared, you can reduce the consequences of flooding by up to 80%.’
VICSES volunteers are also asking Victorians to avoid flooded roads and not to drive during heavy rain. Flood rescues endanger our volunteers, let alone the dangers to those in the vehicle.”
The Bureau of Meteorology in Queensland said the weather system poses “primary hazards from damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall that can lead to flash flooding.” Storms possible in western QLD and southern interior.’