Tag Archives: oceania

Widespread floods, early cyclones to come this summer, bureau warns

It will be another summer of tempestuous weather conditions, according to the Bureau of Meteorology's long-range severe weather outlook.

The bureau indicates increased risk of widespread flooding for eastern and northern Australia, heatwaves and more tropical cyclones in 2022-23.

Extreme conditions are expected to be the most prevalent from October to April.

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Waverley Cemetery, Sydney

Tropical Cyclones more frequent and earlier

The bureau has warned there is an increased chance of tropical cyclones developing earlier in the season this year, which runs from November and April. 

There is also a greater than 70 per cent chance of at least 11 tropical cyclones, more than the long-term average.

Australia has an average of nine to 11 tropical cyclones each year, with around four crossing the coast in an average season.

The message from the bureau us to "prepare early" and "stay up-to-date" in the weeks before cyclone season begins.

Flooding

As we have seen in the past year, localised major flooding can occur in the wet season for much of Australia.

This season, the bureau said there is an increased risk of widespread and prolonged riverine flooding across northern and eastern Australia.

With many rivers, damns and catchments already recording high levels, a third La Nina in a row will most likely trigger floods, similar to what was seen this weekend in New South Wales.

Flash flooding is seen in Gunnedah, NSW after a weekend soaking.

Heatwaves

Although the outlook might be wet this summer, it doesn't mean heatwaves are off the cards.

Given the long-term warming trend, the bureau said some places will experience heatwaves, even during a wet summer.

While temperatures may not reach extreme levels, in southern areas, heatwaves may last longer, be warmer overnight and be more humid.

'Unusually high' tides

The highest tides of the year are expected to be "unusually high" around January 23 on the New South Wales and southern Queensland coasts.

The same warning is in place for northern Queensland coasts, including in the Torres Strait around February 20.

The bureau said flooding is likely to occur in low-lying areas around unusually high tides and warned severe coastal flooding could occur if coastal or offshore storms are around at these times.

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Bushfires

NSW 2019-20 Bushfire Inquiry Images

Bushfire season across southern Australia in summer is always a risk, the bureau said.

While large bushfires are less likely, continuing wet conditions may further increase grass growth, which can lead to increased risk from grassfires.

Girl severs two fingers in horror playground accident

A little girl has seriously injured one of her hands after getting it stuck in playground equipment.

The five-year-old was at a playground in Strathfield, in Sydney's Inner West, when her hand was trapped in a carousel.

A crew from Burwood Fire Station rushed to the playground just before 1.30pm, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) said.

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NSW ambulance

"NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Council staff tended to the child whilst firefighters located her two severed fingertips," a statement said.

The girl was taken to The Children's Hospital at Westmead for emergency treatment.

Three more days of rain coming as 'heavy rain band' develops

Another rainband is bearing down on the nation's south east, increasingly the likelihood of flooding across multiple states.

It comes after a monster storm smashed New South Wales and southern Queensland over the weekend. Residents are today urged to be vigilant for flooding as rivers continue rising.

A new cold front and associated low pressure trough will start passing over from Wednesday, Weatherzone said, adding it will bring three days of heavy rain to South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, NSW, the Australian Capital Territory and southern Queensland.

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Forecast accumulated rain over Australia this week according to the ECMWF-HRES model.

"The heaviest falls are likely to occur on Thursday into early Friday morning over parts of central and eastern Vic and northern Tasmania, where some places could see 100 to 200 mm within 24 hours," Weatherzone said.

"Severe thunderstorms are also possible in western NSW and southwest Queensland on Thursday.

"With river catchments already saturated from recent rainfall, this week's rain is likely to cause flooding in several states, particularly Victoria and Tasmania."

Residents are urged to check latest forecasts and warnings as Wednesday approaches. 

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Since 6pm Friday 7 October 2022 NSW SES volunteers have responded to 44 flood rescues

Dean Narramore, senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), said the new system will hit flood-affected areas in NSW on Friday.

"Thankfully it will move through very quickly with only light to moderate falls expected," he said.

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SES receives 1000 calls for help as rivers rise in NSW

So far, 11 NSW suburbs have been issued evacuation orders and dozens of others are on high alert.

People are urged to visit the SES website for updates, with the warnings for towns and regions across the state changing rapidly.

Western Sydney's Hawkesbury region has been hit hard by the heavy rains.

The SES has responded to more than 1000 requests for assistance since Friday evening across NSW.

In Western Sydney, the Richmond and Windsor bridges remain open this morning with rivers up to moderate flooding levels.

Although flood levels are not expected to equal those seen earlier in the year, there are fears both bridges could close when the new front hits on Wednesday.

Overnight on Saturday and early Sunday, emergency services responded to 343 requests for assistance, 21 of those being flood rescues.

Inland, there are concerns for Dubbo, Bathurst, Mudgee and Warren, where waters continue to rise.

About 70mm of rain fell on the coast yesterday, with Ulladulla recording a whopping 110mm.

Meanwhile, the Warragamba Dam is spilling out 90 gigalitres a day, adding further pressure to the catchment in the Hawkesbury.