Millions of Australians are being advised to prepare for heavy downpours and flash flooding as a significant low-pressure system traverses the country. The weather system, which originated in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, has already begun affecting South Australia and is forecast to move towards the east coast.
Northeastern Victoria and southern New South Wales are projected to bear the brunt of the system. Senior meteorologist David Crock from the Bureau of Meteorology indicated that these areas could receive between 40 to 60 millimeters of rain on Tuesday, with the possibility of higher totals in some regions. Several catchments in northern Victoria are already saturated, increasing the risk of flooding.
Flood warnings have been issued for the Kiewa, Loddon, and Avoca catchments, with river levels expected to rise from Monday through Wednesday. Affected waterways include the Upper Murray and Mitta Mitta, Kiewa, Ovens, King, Broken, Seven and Castle Creeks, the Goulburn River from Eildon to Seymour and downstream, as well as the Loddon and Avoca rivers. More flooding is likely in these northern Victorian catchments from Tuesday onward.
In South Australia, the low-pressure system brought rain and storms across much of the state. Areas like the Eyre and Yorke peninsulas and the Adelaide Hills could see locally heavy rainfall of 30 to 50 millimeters. While some totals may range from 20 to 40 millimeters, Mr. Crock noted that even moderate rainfall could cause substantial impacts due to already wet conditions from recent events, particularly in the Adelaide Hills.
Strong winds are also anticipated along the Far West Coast, Upper West Coast, Lower West Coast, Central Coast, and Spencer Gulf regions.
The system is expected to continue eastward before moving into the Tasman Sea by Wednesday. Before dissipating, it is predicted to bring beneficial rain to eastern New South Wales and southern Queensland, regions that have experienced drier conditions this winter.
Cities such as Melbourne and Sydney are forecast to experience heavy rain and showers from late Monday into Tuesday. Adelaide is also expecting significant rainfall, while Brisbane and Perth may see some showers. Canberra could receive rain on Tuesday, with showers possible into Wednesday evening. Hobart is expecting showers on Tuesday and Wednesday.
