Australia: Adverse weather, disruptions continuing in eastern areas as of Nov. 14 /update 12

Event

Adverse weather continues to prompt flooding and disruptions in parts of eastern Australia as of Nov. 14. Authorities continue to issue flood warnings for parts of NSW, Queensland, and Victoria states. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecast that showers will likely ease Nov. 15-17 due to a high-pressure system developing over Victoria and Tasmania. Showers and thunderstorms are likely to return to southeastern and eastern Australia Nov. 19-20; further flooding is possible across already saturated catchments. While no significant rainfall is forecast, river levels are likely to continue to rise as waters move downstream and into the river basins.

As of Nov. 14, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is maintaining flood watches and warnings across the affected area, including the following:

• Major flood warning: Belubula River and Mandagery Creek as well as the Macquarie River to Bathurst in NSW and Kiewa River in Victoria

• Minor to major flood warning: Barwon, Bell, Birrie, Bokhara, Bogan, Culgoa, Darling, Edward, Lachlan, Macquarie, Murray, Murrumbidgee, Narran, and Tumut rivers in NSW and Murray and Edward rivers in Victoria

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Widespread flooding has affected tens of thousands of people across the southeast in recent days, and floodwaters have inundated many homes. Thousands of residents remain displaced across the state, and officials have established relief centers to accommodate those who cannot return home due to the floods.

As of Nov. 14, authorities have issued emergency warnings and evacuation orders for some locations in parts of inland New South Wales, including parts of the Central West, North Central, and South Central regions. Watch and Act advisories are in place across northern and central Victoria. Authorities will likely issue further evacuation orders if river levels continue to rise in the coming days; for the latest evacuation information for NSW click here and for Victoria, click here.

Due to flooding and damage, parts of the Kamilaroi, Great Western, Mitchell, Newell, and Sturt highways in NSW are closed. Multiple other regional roads are closed across NSW and Victoria states; for the latest road status information for NSW click here and for Victoria, click here.

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 airports in the region. 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.

Resources

Australian Bureau of Meteorology
New South Wales State Emergency Service
Emergency Management Victoria