Snow has fallen in southern Queensland as a major cold front sweeps the state, with footage showing snow tumbling down at Dalveen, between Stanthorpe and Warwick, about 4pm on Saturday. Videos posted on social media by Higgins Storm Chasing captured the unusual snowfall in the region.
In New South Wales, the State Emergency Service (SES) reported that up to 100 vehicles were stuck in heavy snow on the New England Highway, Waterfall Way, Norris Drive and Grafton Road in the northern tablelands. The SES described the snow depths as "never seen before" in the area. Unusual snow levels were also reported at Armidale and Guyra, with falls of up to 50cm possible throughout Saturday.
Rain was battering other parts of NSW, with the SES issuing 28 warnings for residents across the Coffs Coast, Mid North Coast, Upper Hunter and New England regions. The service warned that 24-hour rainfall totals between 65mm and 100mm were likely, with isolated falls exceeding 130mm possible. Moderate flooding was reported along the Peel River at Tamworth and the Namoi River at Gunnedah.
SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan said heavy and persistent rain could lead to flash flooding and road closures. "We implore the community to never drive, walk or play in floodwater – if you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route," she said. Hogan also warned of black ice on roads in the northern tablelands, urging drivers to use brakes gently and drive slowly.
Damaging wind gusts exceeding 90km/h and large, powerful surf are also forecast. More than 1,000 NSW SES volunteers have been deployed across the state, responding to 750 calls since the onset of the bad weather.
