Residents in Queensland, NSW, and Victoria continue to be threatened by “unstable” storms that have ravaged the east coast since Christmas.
Storm warnings remain in place for certain areas in the three states as intense rainfall continues to cause riverine and flash flooding.
Over half a metre of rain has fallen in the past 48 hours in southeast Queensland and Northern NSW, including 568mm in Upper Springbook and 533mm at Numinbah.
The deluge has sparked continued flooding, with the Bureau of Meteorology putting moderate flood warnings in place for the Connors-Isaac River, Mooloolah River, Albert River and Logan River in the state’s south.
“Heavy to locally intense rainfall is likely across the Flood Watch area during Tuesday and may persist into Wednesday morning,” the Bureau warned.
“Showers will remain active across the broader Flood Watch area during Tuesday and into Wednesday.
“Localised river level rises and flash flooding are likely within the areas of heaviest rainfall, with isolated minor to moderate riverine flooding possible.”
A strong wind warning is also in place for coastal areas along the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast waters.
The torrential rain plaguing Queensland and NSW has been caused by a coastal trough, aided by an upper-level system that’s slowly moving through the area bringing enhanced rainfall.
Rain that has fallen over the past few weeks has left catchments saturated, meaning any new rainfall in the area will likely cause river rises and flash flooding.
Residents will get a break from the rain after Wednesday, according to the Bureau, with the trough to weaken as well as pushing south and likely offshore as the day continues.
Despite the positive news, the storm system has been described as “unstable” by Bureau meteorologist Miriam Bradbury.
“Our thunderstorm forecast shows just how unstable the areas are over eastern Australia, with thunderstorms possible pretty much everywhere except for Tasmania,” Ms Bradbury said on Tuesday.
She also warned of continued disturbances in Victoria after heavy rain, damaging winds and large hailstones plagued the state on Tuesday.
More than 10,000 homes remain without power on Wednesday morning after a severe thunderstorm moved through Bendigo, Castlemain, Ballarat, Kyneton and greater Melbourne.
While the Bureau has now cancelled its severe thunderstorm warning, saying the “immediate threat” had passed, it warned residents to be on alert with “further warnings to be issued if necessary.
Flood warnings remain in place for the Loddon River and Avoca River.