Australia is bracing itself for extreme weather conditions as both the east and western sides of the country experience very different weather hazards.
The people of New South Wales were battling floodwaters yesterday and today as severe thunderstorms and torrential rains battered many parts and isolated small communities. The small town of Ashford just north-east of New South Wales was reportedly cut in half as the creek that ran through the middle of the town burst its banks and flooded.
The towns of Thora and Bellingden have also been issued with flood alerts as 150mm of rain fell upon the towns. The State Emergency Services are predicting that flood levels will rise to around 3.7 metres in Bellingden which could leave many people living in the valley to become isolated.
On the NSW mid-north coast some 300mm of rain has fallen in the past day, with more predicted. Flood watches are also in place for the north-west, central west and north-east of New South Wales.
Michael Logan of the Bureau of Meteorology has warned of more wet weather to come: “So far the rain has been very nice soaking rain and it looks like it will continue over the next three to four days,” he said. “We are worried throughout that period we will see river flooding across central (NSW) and in parts of the Hunter Valley.”
Meanwhile in Western Australia many people are wishing some of the flood water would head their way as they brace themselves for catastrophic fire conditions.
Weather predictions for the region warn of soaring temperatures and high winds – a disaster for fire services.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of severe fire danger for the central wheat belt, great southern, the south and south-east coasts and the central west. In fact the Bureau have given the affected areas a ‘catastrophic’ rating, the highest danger warning.
Authorities in those areas are warning people to take heed and evacuate. The Fire and Emergency Services Authority said in a statement today: “If you live in an area with a catastrophic fire danger rating you should put your survival first and leave early.”
“That is: hours before a fire starts. Under no circumstances will it be safe to stay and defend your home.”
To find out if there is a warning issued for your area, visit the Bureau of Meteorology.
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