NSW and Queensland rain clears as Perth prepares for wild weekend storm
A dramatic intercontinental weather shift is underway as the storm system hitting the eastern states moves offshore, leaving Western Australia bracing for a severe cold front.
While the east coast finally welcomes a dry and calm weekend after days of heavy downpours and flash flooding, a severe weather system is heading towards the country’s west coast, potentially bringing devastating winds of more than 100km per hour and the risk of serious river flooding.
The dramatic easing of conditions in the east comes after a major system dumped close to 150mm of rain on parts of NSW and caused widespread disruption across Queensland.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Christie Johnson said cumulative totals of 70mm to 100mm had been just another day in many parts of South East Queensland over the past two days.
“Rain and thunderstorms once again spread across south-east and central Queensland on Thursday,” Ms Johnson said.
“The afternoon focus was around the Darling Downs, where rainfall of approximately 20 to 40 millimeters was observed. Later overnight, storms moved across parts of the south-east coast and Wide Bay regions, where widespread falls of approximately 10 to 30 millimeters were observed.”
As this system moved southwards, it delivered heavy rainfall to the NSW Hunter and Mid-North Coast regions; Comboyne recorded 126mm, Mount Barrington 117mm and Careys Peak recorded a massive 148mm in the 24 hours to 9am on Friday.
While minor flood watches remain on coastal NSW rivers, Ms Johnson confirmed the worst is over in the east.
“The surface troughs and lows responsible for this wet weather will move away from the coast today and rain and storms will give way to light showers,” Ms Johnson said.
“We are expecting a much calmer, drier weekend with mild temperatures over South East Queensland. It will also be drier in NSW, particularly along the east coast.”
However, when the sun turns east, the bureau is expected to issue severe weather warnings on the other side of the country.
Forecasters are warning that the strong front will first tear through the South West Coast before moving northwards, with the worst of the weather expected to hit Perth on Sunday afternoon and evening.
Damaging winds in excess of 100 km/h are possible across the Perth metropolitan area; There is a danger of debris collapsing, reducing visibility and causing hazardous driving conditions.
Bureau meteorologist Jessica Lingard said conditions would worsen rapidly starting Saturday and peak late Sunday.
“There is a possibility of flooding on some major roads as abnormally high tides and strong winds push water into the river system,” Ms Lingard said.
Authorities are currently closely monitoring low-lying areas for flooding along Riverside Drive and the Kwinana Highway near Como, where the highway runs parallel to the rising Swan River.
This violent system is expected to cause chaos for thousands of AFL fans heading to Optus Stadium for the West Coast Eagles’ match against Essendon on Sunday night, with fans encouraged to pack up and allow extra travel time.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the bureau are urging Western Australian residents to secure loose items found outdoors, avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm and stay up to date with the latest updates.
Conditions in the west are not expected to improve until Monday morning.
For emergency assistance during these weather events, residents nationwide can call the SES on 132 500 or, in life-threatening situations, call triple 0.
