Millions of Australians bracing for severe thunderstorms in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and beyond
A powerful storm system is set to sweep through eastern Australia on Saturday afternoon and evening, bringing with it strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for widespread disruption. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning, cautioning that "extensive" storm risk stretches from northern Queensland to western Australia.
The warning comes just days after storms swept over south-east Queensland, leaving thousands without power. Around 2,000 Energex customers remain without electricity on Saturday morning, with many more expected to face disruptions as the system moves in.
Senior meteorologist Angus Hines says high levels of moisture in the atmosphere, drawn from the tropics, are interacting with pressure differences to create a perfect storm. "It's not unusual for the north of the country to see storms at this time of year," he said, but across the east coast, millions of Australians could face severe disruption.
Residents are advised to keep an eye on thunderstorm warnings covering specific areas that may be issued later today. However, the risk of more extensive and destructive storms is already being felt in parts of New South Wales, where hot and windy conditions pose a high threat of bushfires.
Total fire bans have been imposed across several regions, including the northern Riverina and central west plains areas, as firefighters battle to contain existing blazes. While the fire risk is expected to ease on Sunday and Monday, it will remain high across much of the state.
Meanwhile, stormy conditions are set to clear by Sunday in southern areas, but far-northern NSW and south-east Queensland remain at risk for further storms. A low-pressure system in the Timor Sea, north-west Western Australia, is being monitored by the Bureau of Meteorology, which has a moderate chance of moving towards the Northern Territory by Thursday and Friday next week.
The impact of these severe thunderstorms will be felt across millions of Australians, making it essential for residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
A powerful storm system is set to sweep through eastern Australia on Saturday afternoon and evening, bringing with it strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for widespread disruption. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning, cautioning that "extensive" storm risk stretches from northern Queensland to western Australia.
The warning comes just days after storms swept over south-east Queensland, leaving thousands without power. Around 2,000 Energex customers remain without electricity on Saturday morning, with many more expected to face disruptions as the system moves in.
Senior meteorologist Angus Hines says high levels of moisture in the atmosphere, drawn from the tropics, are interacting with pressure differences to create a perfect storm. "It's not unusual for the north of the country to see storms at this time of year," he said, but across the east coast, millions of Australians could face severe disruption.
Residents are advised to keep an eye on thunderstorm warnings covering specific areas that may be issued later today. However, the risk of more extensive and destructive storms is already being felt in parts of New South Wales, where hot and windy conditions pose a high threat of bushfires.
Total fire bans have been imposed across several regions, including the northern Riverina and central west plains areas, as firefighters battle to contain existing blazes. While the fire risk is expected to ease on Sunday and Monday, it will remain high across much of the state.
Meanwhile, stormy conditions are set to clear by Sunday in southern areas, but far-northern NSW and south-east Queensland remain at risk for further storms. A low-pressure system in the Timor Sea, north-west Western Australia, is being monitored by the Bureau of Meteorology, which has a moderate chance of moving towards the Northern Territory by Thursday and Friday next week.
The impact of these severe thunderstorms will be felt across millions of Australians, making it essential for residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
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omg can't believe these storms are coming through again so soon after the last one they need to get their act together on power grid maintenance or something like 2000 ppl without electricity is crazy 
meanwhile i'm over here worrying about my plants in brisbane they're gonna hate me when this storm hits 
hope everyone stays safe out there 
oh man, can't believe those aussies are dealing with another round of crazy storms! like, i know they're used to it or whatever, but come on! 
2000 people without power is just wild, especially when you know more are gonna get knocked out. Angus Hines is totally right though, the combo of moisture and pressure differences is like, a recipe for disaster! 
. the fact that high levels of moisture from the tropics are interacting with pressure differences to create this perfect storm system just blows my mind. i mean, angus hines says its not unusual for northern queensland to see storms this time of year, but the east coast is a whole different story 
Not to mention the bushfires... like, how are our firefighters doing?! 
They deserve all the support they can get right now. 
Anywayz, gotta make sure I'm prepared for this bad weather - anyone got any tips on what to do in case of a power outage? #StaySafeAUS #ThunderstormTuesday #AussieWeather
Stormy weather is coming to Australia! 
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. Don't forget to check on your neighbors and elderly family members too 
. It's always better to be safe than sorry 
. Thousands without power just days ago and now there's another one brewin'... Hope everyone stays safe and secure 
. The rain is good for the environment though, fingers crossed it brings some much-needed water 
. And I guess the East Coast is gettin' a bit of a wake-up call 
and I'm like totally shocked! 2000 people without electricity is crazy 
and then you add strong winds and heavy rain... I feel so bad for everyone who has to deal with that. Like, I know it's not uncommon for severe thunderstorms to hit eastern Australia at this time of year, but still 
. How do they keep people safe? And what about all the disruptions to daily life... I hope everyone stays safe and gets through this okay 
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. Still, it's a bit unsettling to know we could be facing more severe and destructive storms later on 
. With 5 million people at risk, something needs to give 
hopefully sunday brings some relief 
