Communities across New South Wales and Queensland are on high alert this weekend as a severe weather system delivers intense rainfall and powerful thunderstorms along the eastern coastline.
Widespread Downpours and Severe Storm Threat
The Bureau of Meteorology has reported significant overnight rainfall, with some areas on the NSW south coast recording more than 100mm. The towns of Moruya and Bodalla were particularly hard hit, receiving 146mm and 136mm respectively as the system began moving northwards on Saturday.
Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore warned that the Illawarra, Sydney, Central Coast, and Hunter regions should prepare for further showers and thunderstorms. These storms could "easily see" 30-50mm of rainfall, with isolated falls potentially reaching 80-100mm. The north Parramatta area provided a stark example on Saturday morning, where 35mm of rain fell in just half an hour.
Hail, Surf Hazards, and Extended Warnings
The severe weather is not limited to heavy rain. The town of Coramba, north-west of Coffs Harbour, was pelted with 5-7cm hailstones on Friday. Narramore indicated that north-east NSW and south-east Queensland face another round of severe storms on Saturday, bringing risks of large hail, damaging winds, and further heavy rainfall.
Authorities have issued multiple warnings for the public. Hazardous surf conditions are expected along the east coast from Newcastle to Batemans Bay and the Eden coast. NSW police have urged people to avoid the water and stay away from surf-exposed areas, specifically warning rock fishers to seek safe, sheltered locations.
National Context and Climate Link
This bout of wild weather in NSW follows severe storms earlier in the week that dumped 180mm in six hours on Victoria's Lorne and Wye River, causing flash flooding along the Great Ocean Road that damaged campgrounds and swept away vehicles. While conditions in Victoria are now easing, widespread flood warnings remain for much of inland, northern, and western Queensland.
The severe weather pattern is expected to persist through Sunday before conditions begin to ease on Monday. However, meteorologists note that westerly winds and hot weather are forecast to return later next week. This event underscores the increasing vulnerability to extreme weather, with the World Meteorological Organization noting that 2025 has continued a three-year streak of "extraordinary global temperatures", averaging 1.48C above pre-industrial levels.
