Severe weather warnings and flood watches issued for Queensland and New South Wales including communities impacted by recent severe weather

28/03/2022

Issued: 2:00pm AEDT, Monday 28 March 2022

A severe weather warning is current for parts of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Today, widespread rain and severe thunderstorms are expected for Northern Rivers and parts of the Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands.

Severe thunderstorms are also possible elsewhere today in the north-east and along the coast down to Ulladulla.

With catchments in northern NSW already saturated, rivers, streams and creeks will respond quickly to any heavy, short duration rainfall and are at risk of potential flash flooding over the coming days. There is also potential for landslides.

Flood watches have been issued for large parts of southern Queensland and north-east New South Wales. This includes potential for major flooding for the Richmond, Wilsons, Orara and Bellinger rivers including Lismore and other communities recently impacted by severe weather.

The localised flooding seen over the past week will likely become more pronounced with riverine flooding from the Mid North Coast through to the Northern Rivers, Northern Tablelands and Northwest Slopes and Plains.

From Tuesday, rainfall is expected for the central and southern coastal parts of New South Wales as a southerly change moves up the east coast. Easing conditions are expected from Wednesday when the low-pressure system starts to drift offshore and move south.

A strong high-pressure system near Tasmania will bring increasing winds along the New South Wales coast from Wednesday with risk of downed trees and powerlines. Hazardous surf conditions are also expected later in the week, with increasing risk of coastal erosion in vulnerable areas.

QUEENSLAND

Heavy rainfall is forecast around south-east Queensland today and should gradually move south into New South Wales during Tuesday.

A Severe Weather Warning is current for the south-east coast and parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt. Outside of the Severe Weather Warning area, severe thunderstorms with locally heavy rain are also possible for the Darling Downs and Granite Belt and Wide Bay and Burnett districts.

Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 to 140 mm are possible, reaching up to 180 mm over coastal areas and ranges. Locally intense totals in excess of 200 mm may occur with any thunderstorms.

A Major Flood Warning is current for Myall Creek.A Moderate Flood Warning has been issued for the Condamine River. Rapid rises occurred in upper parts of the catchment during this morning.

Since many catchments are now saturated, there will be an increased risk of dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding and even landslides during this event.

Flood watches have been issued for large parts of southern Queensland and north-east New South Wales, with minor to moderate flooding expected in several areas and major flooding possible for some communities recently impacted by severe weather.

The Bureau is recommending communities in NSW and Qld stay up to date with the latest Bureau warnings through the Bureau's website and BOM Weather app and follow the advice of emergency services.

NOTE
Press conferences were held in both states today with relevant emergency services partners.
NSW: media@ses.nsw.gov.au
Qld: media@qfes.qld.gov.au

ENDS