Source : Perth Now news
Millions of Australians are being warned they will be hit by the “trifecta” of large hail, damaging winds and heavy rains, in a wild end to the weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology says a powerful storm system would affect the east coast on Sunday.
Residents in Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra are all being urged to stay alert as severe weather is forecast to strike all three cities on Sunday afternoon.
These storms are predicted to continue on Monday.
BOM meteorologist David Crock said it would be a wet and wild finish to the weekend.
“Storms are on the forecast across Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and many other areas across eastern Australia, that could lead to localised power outages, as well as damage to trees, property and crops,” he said.
The severe thunderstorm warning officially started 11.30am on Sunday with parts of the country experiencing up to 30mls of rain.
But the worst is yet to come as atmospheric conditions intensify.
According to Mr Crock, a formidable cold front will hit NSW on Sunday afternoon bringing with it intense weather.
“The weather pattern this afternoon shows a cold front and trough extending through NSW. It will go through NSW and adjacent states,” he said.
While Sydney may dodge the brunt of the storm, the same cannot be said for Brisbane and Canberra, both of which are tipped to cop a significant drenching as the system rolls through.
This adds to an already wet weekend for Southeastern Queensland, with the BoM warning saturated ground could lead to flash flooding.
“Severe thunderstorms are likely right across Western NSW including Canberra, through Eastern Victoria and through Southern Queensland as well.
“Those parts could see the trifecta as we call it of large hail, damaging winds and heavy rains,” Mr Crock said.
Those in the “trifecta” areas are being warned about winds of up to 125kms an hour.
“Heavy rain is the main risk there which will lead to flash flooding after an incredibly wet week in South East Queensland, Mr Crock said.
Mr Crock said there may only be one or two storm cells in each area but urged residents to take care.
These thunderstorms will start again on Monday, particularly in the North Coast of NSW and parts of Queenslands.
“Those thunderstorms could again bring the trifecta of large hail, damaging winds and heavy rains,” he said.
