New South Wales braces for more wild weather and severe thunderstorm warnings

Wild weather will hit eastern Australia and hit New South Wales this weekend with severe storms, dangerous waves and heavy rain.

“We will continue to see showers and thunderstorms throughout the weekend, even into early next week, but the risk of severe weather will gradually diminish,” Bureau of Meteorology Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said.

“Severe storms are certainly still a possibility across eastern New South Wales on Saturday and some areas on Sunday, bringing a continued risk of heavy falls, damaging wind gusts and large hail,” he said.

Rain and thunderstorms will continue in some areas until Sunday. Sky News Credit: Source Provided Known

Meanwhile, hazardous surf warnings are in place at Sydney Beach, Illawarra Beach, Bateman Beach and Eden Beach, with hazardous conditions expected for swimming, boating and fishing.

NSW Police said “people should stay away from water and avoid walking near areas exposed to waves.”

Sky News Meteorologist Marina Neuman said the storm threat would continue along the coast and potentially reach as far as Brisbane.

“A severe storm warning remains in place from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbor and north to Lismore,” he said.

Sydney remains the target of the state's severe weather. Image: Windy — Sydney remains the target of the state’s severe weather. Windy Credit: Source Provided Known

To the north, residual moisture from former tropical cyclone Koji could still trigger areas of heavy rain in north Queensland, BOM said.

In the Northern Territory, the western Top End continues to be affected by heavy rains near tropical lows, increasing the likelihood of a cyclone developing.

Flood watch warnings have been issued for areas between the Katherine River and Darwin, as well as the Tiwi Islands.

Windy hurricane watch for Wednesday, Jan. 21, as officials warn there may be an increased chance of a hurricane reaching shore. Image: Windy — Windy hurricane watch for Wednesday, Jan. 21, as officials warn there may be an increased chance of a hurricane reaching shore. Windy Credit: Source Provided Known

Other capitals can expect a slightly sunnier weekend.

“Melbourne is forecasting a very nice afternoon, with a high of 27 degrees and partly sunny, a high of 30 degrees in Adelaide but a cooling 25 degrees in Perth and some showers targeting WA’s south coast,” Ms Neuman said.

“Amid the stormy conditions, we are cooling off in Sydney and Canberra, with temperatures dropping to 21°C for both locations on Saturday afternoon,” he said.