11 Apr 2022 | 08:31 AM UTC
Australia: Further flooding possible across parts of New South Wales, southeastern Queensland, and eastern Victoria through at least April 15 /update 8
Further flooding possible across parts of eastern Australia through at least April 15. Recovery operations, evacuations ongoing.
Event
Heavy rainfall has eased but flooding is forecast to continue over parts of southeastern Queensland, northern and eastern New South Wales, and eastern Victoria through at least April 15. In recent weeks, the region has been severely hit by adverse weather, with severe flooding causing major disruptions and casualties predominantly in parts of southeastern Queensland and eastern NSW. Heavy downpours could trigger further flooding in areas where the ground is already saturated from previous rainfall.
A person died in the town of Cobbitty in Sydney’s southwest early April 8 due to floodwaters. Two fatalities were reported after a landslide triggered by the recent adverse weather in the Blue Mountains in NSW April 4. Another fatality occurred due to floodwaters in Mirboo North in South Gippsland, Victoria, on the same day. Two fatalities were recorded in Darling Downs, Queensland, due to floodwaters, and another fatality occurred in North Lismore, NSW. Many areas across the region are still recovering from severe flooding that caused at least 20 fatalities across both states late February-early March and led to authorities declaring a national emergency March 9.
As of April 11, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has rescinded all severe weather warnings, but the following flood watches and warnings remain in place:
Major flood warning: Balonne and Condamine rivers in Queensland.
Minor to moderate flood warning: Culgoa, Bokhara, and Narran rivers in NSW.
Moderate flood warning: Barwon River in NSW.
Minor flood warning: Paroo River in Queensland; Hawkesbury and Snowy rivers in NSW; Snowy River in Victoria.
As of April 11, most evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted. Evacuation orders remain in place for Bungawalbin and Pitt Town Bottoms while an evacuation warning continues for Stuarts Point and its surroundings. Additional evacuation warnings and orders are possible in the coming days due to the further river level rises forecast in the region. The latest details on any evacuation orders and warnings issued in NSW can be found here. Authorities will likely update warnings and issue additional evacuation orders in flood-prone communities as the weather system develops over the coming days.
Recovery and clean-up operations are underway; residual disruptions are likely due to flooding, landslides, and damage. Information on the latest road closures in Queensland can be found by clicking here; for NSW by clicking here, and for Victoria by clicking here. In New South Wales, buses are replacing train services on the South Coast Line between Waterfall and Thirroul to complete equipment repairs.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds and large waves trigger hazardous sea conditions.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and employees' inability to reach work sites. Electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Allow extra time for travel in the affected area and plan alternative routes if necessary. Do not drive on flooded roads.
