Urgent weather warning for Sydney as devastating winds and rainfall

A powerful weather system has hit Australia, bringing severe storms, high winds and heavy rainfall, as well as an increased risk of flash flooding.

The ‘unusual’ rainstorm that hit western and central Australia earlier this week is expected to move towards southeastern Australia from Wednesday.

Bureau meteorologist Johnathan How explained that a cold front approaching Victoria and Tasmania would “meet” with tropical moisture, bringing heavy rain to the south-east of the country.

“Thursday looks set to be the wettest day, particularly in eastern New South Wales,” How said.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected across much of the state, from the Illawarra region to Greater Sydney and the Greater Hunter areas. Up to 40mm of rain is expected in Sydney.

Gale force winds are forecast along Sydney’s coast, including Port Botany and Sydney Airport, which could impact port and aviation operations on Thursday.

The incoming southerly wind will bring a sharp drop in temperatures, breaking Sydney’s run of eight consecutive days with highs of 24C or more. On Thursday, the high is expected to reach just 19C.

Due to the combination of low temperatures and a strong southerly wind, the temperature will feel like 6 degrees around 8 am on Thursday morning.

Rainfall in Sydney should ease early Friday morning, with temperatures expected to cool before warming up again over the weekend.

Canberra is also expected to have its wettest day on Thursday, with up to 25mm of rain. Brisbane’s heaviest rainfall is expected on Friday, with up to 20mm.

On Friday, the rain will move to northeastern New South Wales and eastern Queensland.

Sydney

Thursday: Rain. Windy. Up to 40mm of rainfall. Winds up to 40km/h. Large and powerful waves expected in the evening. Min 13C Max 18C.

Friday: Rain. Up to 25 mm of precipitation. Winds up to 30 km/h. Min 13C Max 19C.

Melbourne

Thursday: Cloudy. Small chance of a morning shower. Wind force up to 35 km/h. Min. 9C Max. 14C.

Friday: Sunny. Morning frost spots. Light wind. Min 6C Max 17C.

Brisbane

Thursday: Partly cloudy. Average chance of showers in the evening. Wind force up to 25km/h. Min 16C Max 29C.

Friday: Rain. Up to 20 mm of precipitation. Wind up to 20 km/h. Min 17C Max 22C.

Canberra

Thursday: Rain. Up to 25 mm of precipitation. Wind up to 25 km/h. Min 3C Max 12C.

Friday: Partly cloudy. Small chance of a shower. Wind force up to 30km/h. Min 2C Max 15C.

Hobart

Thursday: Cloudy. Small chance of a shower. Possible small hail in the morning. Wind force up to 30 km/h. Min. 4C Max. 13C.

Friday: Partly cloudy. Wind up to 20km/h. Min 4C Max 17C.

Perth

Thursday: Sunny. Small chance of a shower. Chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Wind force up to 40 km/h. Min. 15C Max. 30C.

Friday: Showers. Up to 15 mm of precipitation. Winds up to 35 km/h. Min. 13C Max. 19C.

Australia’s south-east coast is set to get soaked as two weather systems bring heavy rain and gusty winds

Adelaide

Thursday: Sunny. Small chance of a shower in the early morning. Wind force up to 30 km/h. Min 7C Max 18C.

Friday: Sunny. Wind up to 20km/h. Max 21C.

Darwin

Thursday: Partly cloudy. Average chance of showers. Chance of thunderstorms inland. Wind force up to 20 km/h. Min. 25C Max. 33C.

Friday: Partly cloudy. Average chance of showers. Chance of thunderstorms. Winds up to 20 km/h. Min. 25C Max. 33C.