Millions on Alert as Severe Storms Lash Australia
Vast stretches of northern and eastern Australia are bracing for a severe thunderstorm outbreak this weekend, with meteorologists warning of potential damage from strong winds, heavy rainfall, and falling trees.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued extensive warnings, stating that the storm risk stretches from the tropical north and Western Australia right across to central and eastern parts of the country. Major population centres including Sydney, Brisbane, and Canberra are all in the potential firing line for disruptive weather.
Widespread Disruption and Power Losses Expected
This fresh alert comes on the heels of destructive storms that swept through south-east Queensland on Friday. According to reports, those storms left more than 11,000 homes without power. By Saturday morning, approximately 2,000 Energex customers in the region were still waiting for their electricity to be restored.
Senior Meteorologist Angus Hines described the situation as an "active" severe thunderstorm outbreak for eastern parts of the nation. He advised residents to remain vigilant for specific thunderstorm warnings likely to be issued throughout Saturday afternoon.
Fire and Storm Risks Create Dual Threat
While the east coast battles storms, other parts of New South Wales face an extreme bushfire risk. The western slopes and plains are under total fire bans due to hot, windy conditions and the potential for lightning strikes to ignite new blazes.
The NSW Rural Fire Service indicated that although the fire risk is expected to ease slightly on Sunday and Monday, it will remain high across much of the state.
Looking ahead, the stormy conditions are forecast to ease across southern areas on Sunday. However, far northern NSW and south-east Queensland remain at risk for further storms, potentially prolonging the disruption for residents in those areas.
Meanwhile, the Bureau is also monitoring a low-pressure system in the Timor Sea, north of the Kimberley, which has a moderate chance of developing into a tropical cyclone by next Thursday or Friday.
