Significant severe weather event to affect Victoria and NSW, Australia

A significant thunderstorm and rainfall system is developing across southern and eastern Australia with the potential for widespread flooding threat to parts of Victoria and southern and central New South Wales, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warns.

The system will move over South Australia on Thursday, November 30 before impacting Victoria, southern New South Wales and to a lesser degree Tasmania on Friday and Saturday, December 1 and 2.

"South Australia is expected to experience severe thunderstorms late Thursday into Friday with damaging winds, hail and heavy rainfall," Bureau of Meteorology Senior Forecaster Scott Williams said. "The impact area is expected to lie between the Nullarbor and the area north of Adelaide where storms may produce rainfall totals of 50 to 100 mm (2 – 4 inches)," Williams said, adding that the Adelaide area could also be impacted by these storms.

The system will ramp up over Victoria and western NSW on Friday and into Saturday with rainfalls of 100 – 200 mm (4 – 8 inches) expected in these areas, particularly those areas closer to the ranges. Peak falls in the northeast of Victoria could top 300 mm (11.8 inches) over the 48 hours to Saturday night.

Melbourne is likely to see at least 50 to 100 mm (2 – 4 inches) of rainfall and severe thunderstorms overnight Friday into Saturday. There is a chance that heavy rain could return to the Melbourne area on Sunday, possibly delivering another 50 mm or more.

"Southern parts of NSW and the ACT could see falls in excess of 100 mm (4 inches) on Friday and Saturday with some places seeing 200 mm (4 inches). The heavy rainfall could reach Canberra but at this stage does not look like it will impact Sydney," Williams said

A Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall is in effect for people in Central, East Gippsland, Mallee, South West, Northern Country, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera Forecast Districts.

The State Emergency Service advises: 

• Don't walk, ride or drive through flood water
• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains
• Be aware that in fire-affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks
• Be alert that in areas recently affected by fires, heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning for heavy rain is in effect for people in parts of North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains and Upper Western Forecast Districts.

The State Emergency Service advises: 

• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains
• Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water
• If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue
• Unplug computers and appliances
• Avoid using the phone during the storm
• Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well
• For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.

Featured image credit: NASA Terra/MODIS. Acquired: November 29, 2017