New flood risks for New South Wales and Victoria as heavy rain eases for south-east Australia

14/11/2022

Issued: 3pm AEDT 14 November 2022

Widespread rain and thunderstorms impacted large parts of south-east Australia this past weekend. Flash flooding occurred in many towns, while some were impacted by localised damage.

The highest rainfall totals on Saturday were observed through South Australia, northern Victoria and southern New South Wales. On Sunday the focus shifted to north-east Victoria and the New South Wales western slopes.

The highest 2-day rainfall totals to 9am Monday AEDT included:

165 mm at Tuena, Southern Tablelands, NSW

144 mm at Mount Hotham, Vic

133 mm at Tallandoon, Vic

127 mm at Forbes Airport, NSW (118mm on Sunday)

118 mm at Orange, NSW (100mm on Sunday)

106 mm at Parkes Airport, NSW

92 mm at Rutherglen, Vic

92 mm at Yankalilla, SA

88 mm at Bathurst, NSW

With this recent rainfall, renewed or prolonged flooding is expected to develop across many catchments across south-east Australia. Flood Watches are current as rivers begin to respond to rainfall and flooding develops.

There are significant concerns for the communities of Forbes and Bathurst in New South Wales, with Major Flood warnings current.

Moderate to heavy rainfall observed across the Lachlan River catchment has resulted in renewed river level rises. A Flood Watch is current for minor to major flooding for the Lachlan River.

Major Flooding is occurring at Nanami and Jemaalong Weir.

Major Flooding is likely at Forbes from tomorrow afternoon, with water level rises likely to peak at around 10.80 meters late Thursday.

Major flooding is occurring along the upper Macquarie River at Bathurst. The Macquarie River may reach around 7 meters by 1:00 pm today, which is above the levee height of 6.90 meters.

The weather system which brought the band of rain over the weekend has now cleared in Victoria and southern New South Wales, however, further showers and thunderstorms are possible for northern New South Wales, easing later this afternoon.

Showers ease further on Tuesday and colder air will move up from the south. Showers will be more frequent on and south of the Victorian range and small hail and thunder are possible.

Moderate to locally heavy falls are possible in eastern Tasmania, including Hobart, as a weak low-pressure system moves over the coast.

Snow may even fall across higher parts of Tasmania from tonight and in elevated parts of Victoria and New South Wales tomorrow.

Conditions will mostly clear from Wednesday into Thursday as a high-pressure system develops over Victoria and Tasmania.

Showers and thunderstorms look to return to south-east and eastern Australia from Saturday into Sunday which may cause further flooding across already saturated catchments.

Residents and communities living on or near any rivers, creeks and streams or in low-lying areas should stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings via our website and BOM Weather app and follow the advice of emergency services.

Ends