Winter storm brings rain, snow and strong winds to southern Australia

A powerful cold front is expected to sweep across southern and eastern Australia this weekend, bringing substantial rain, strong winds, hail and snow. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts rainfall totals of 30‑40 mm across much of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, with isolated amounts of 70‑80 mm in the high country of Victoria. The Riverina region and New England are also set to receive moderate falls, while western and northern sides of the Great Dividing Range will see the heaviest precipitation.

Meteorologist David Crock warned that already‑wet catchments could lead to rising streams and possible flooding in the Wimmera, Mallee and other river basins. Snow is forecast for the Australian Alps and even flurries on the Stirling Ranges in Western Australia, with damaging wind gusts expected along coastal areas. Adelaide’s forecast shows a wet, windy and colder stretch, with showers building into the weekend and a possible thunderstorm on Sunday.

Authorities are urging motorists to take extra care in alpine and exposed regions, and residents are advised to monitor weather warnings and flood alerts as the system moves from Western Australia eastward through South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and parts of southern Queensland.