Severe Weather Batters Three Australian States This Weekend

Severe weather is set to batter three Australian states this weekend as a low-pressure system and cold fronts deliver heavy rain, gale-force winds, and hazardous surf. Western Australia has already copped its heaviest drenching in years, with Bunbury recording 65mm of rain. Queensland and northern NSW face 30-50mm more rain and waves reaching four to five metres through Monday.

Western Australia’s heaviest rainfall in years

Parts of Western Australia have been soaked by the heaviest rain in years over the past 24 hours. A rainband associated with a weakening cold front and low-pressure trough delivered more than 50mm of rain to the southwest during the 24 hours ending 9am AWST on Friday, July 17. Bunbury recorded 65mm, Ferguson Valley 53mm (its heaviest in two years), and Badgingarra 39mm (its heaviest since August 2022). More rain is forecast over the Central West, Lower West and Central Wheat Belt districts on Friday, with potential for localised flooding in the Moore and Hill catchments.

East coast braces for monster waves and downpours

South-east Queensland and northern New South Wales are forecast to receive 30-50mm of rain in 24 hours between North Stradbroke Island and Coffs Harbour. Gale-force winds will sweep across K’gari, Byron, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast waters through to Monday evening. Waves of four to five metres are expected along the Gold Coast, Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island, with rough conditions persisting into Tuesday. Lismore Airport has already recorded 53mm in three days, exceeding a month’s worth of July rain.

What triggered this system

A developing low-pressure system off Queensland’s coast is driving the severe weather across the three states. Strong high pressure inland is strengthening southerly to southeasterly winds along coastal and offshore areas. The Bureau of Meteorology expects drier and milder conditions to return from Monday as the system moves through.

Impact on communities and services

The heavy rain poses risks of flooding and isolation for some communities and homesteads in WA’s inland regions. Sports facilities across NSW have been affected, with many grounds closed for weekend fixtures. The NSW Football Association advised that decisions on ground closures are made by Friday afternoon, with some fields remaining open subject to inspection and clearance by clubs.

Final Thoughts

Australians across WA, Queensland and NSW should prepare for a severe weather weekend with record rainfall, dangerous surf and gale-force winds. Conditions are expected to ease from Monday as the system moves inland.

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