Severe thunderstorms and flooding forecast across Australia
Thunderstorms are trending as a major weather system spreads across Australia, following record-breaking rain in Queensland. A cold front from Western Australia is colliding with humid air, creating risks of damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding across the east and south.
What happened
- Earlier this week
South-east Queensland experienced record October rainfall, leading to school closures and hundreds of SES calls [1], [2].
- Saturday, 24 Oct
Severe storms are possible in central and south-east Queensland, with rain spreading from South Australia through Victoria to Tasmania [1], [2].
- Sunday, 25 Oct
Severe thunderstorms, squall lines, and supercells are forecast for NSW and eastern Victoria, with impacts expected in Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney [1], [3].
- Monday, 26 Oct
Weather stabilizes in the south, but intense storms and supercells may hit inland Queensland and north-east NSW [1], [3].
What you need to know
Supercells are rotating storms that can produce giant hail and destructive winds [1].
Squall lines form when individual storm cells cluster into a band, increasing their strength [1].
Flash flooding remains a primary threat, particularly in Queensland and NSW [1], [2].
Some Queensland areas recently recorded seven-day rainfall totals between 300mm and 450mm [2].
It is not yet confirmed if another weather outbreak will hit central and south-eastern states later next week, though models suggest it is possible [3].
Background
Australia is currently in its severe weather season. Recent patterns have seen an unusual amount of moisture pumping into the region, resulting in rainfall totals more typical of January or February than October [2].
The current volatility is driven by a combination of a strong cold front, a jet stream with strong winds aloft, and a stream of tropical moisture [1], [3].
Questions people ask
Which cities will be hit by storms on Sunday?
Thunderstorms are most likely in Melbourne during the morning, Canberra in the afternoon, and Sydney by the evening [1].
What is a supercell?
A supercell is a powerful rotating thunderstorm that prevents rain from weakening its fuel supply, making it capable of producing giant hail and destructive winds [1].
Where this came from
[2] theguardian.com
Thunderstorms, heavy rain and flash flooding predicted for much of Australia
Preview image from theguardian.com
[3] nine.com.au
Rare supercells threaten multiple states after historic Queensland deluge
Preview image from nine.com.au
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