Northern New South Wales is set to be battered by severe thunderstorms and hail on Sunday night as Sydneysiders prepare for a miserable and wet covid Christmas.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued an emergency alert at 5.16pm on Sunday warning of damaging winds and large hailstones for the flood-soaked Northern Rivers region around Lismore, Tenterfield and Grafton.
The region has already suffered through torrential rains after a ‘once in 100 years’ storm swept through last week.
The weather bureau warned everyone in those areas to stay indoors, unplug their electrical equipment such as computers in case of lightning damage, and to move their cars away from trees or under cover.
Severe hail, thunderstorms set to lash northeastern NSW just days after a ‘once in 100 years’ storm hit the area up to southeast Queensland. Pictured: Chaos on the Gold Coast last Sunday
Large hail was forecast for northeastern NSW on Sunday. The western areas around Tamworth, Narrabri and Moree got a reprieve with the thunderstorm threat centred on Lismore, Grafton
A tropical rainfall trough is bringing rain down to northeastern NSW according to this map
Those further west around Moree, Narrabri and Tamworth in the North West Slopes and Plains district had a reprieve from the severe thunderstorms – but not from heavy rain and flooding.
The bureau issued a warning on Sunday of severe and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and overflowing rivers for the areas starting on Monday.
Meteorologist Gabrielle Woodhouse said most areas of New South Wales would see some rain on Monday and into Tuesday, but the weather would clear by Wednesday as the trough system moves offshore.
‘A lot of tropical moisture is being drawn down from the north and is going to interact with the trough and generate widespread rain across northern and eastern NSW,’ she told Daily Mail Australia.
‘That trough system will move offshore and that’s when we’ll see the rainfall weaken and ease off for most places on Tuesday.’
A life-saving club at Currumbin swallowed by the sea last Monday as southeast Queensland and northern NSW were battered by a huge storm. Northern NSW is set to be hit again
Pictured: surfing Santas on an overcast Bondi Beach. Millions of Sydney residents are in for a crappy Christmas this year thanks to a covid outbreak coupled with a forecast of rain
Ms Woodhouse said showers may then linger in the east.
The bureau’s website showed rain was forecast to hit much of the state including the Hunter region, Central Tablelands, Mid-North Coast.
Flooding and thunderstorms were predicted for previously drought-stricken areas of inland NSW such as Tamworth, Gunnedah, Narrabri and the opal-mining capital of Lightning Ridge.
The bureau had flood warnings and watches on Sunday for several NSW river systems including the Bellinger, Orara, Gwydir, Peel, Namoi and Hunter rivers.
Sydney’s 5.2 million people have had their Christmas Day plans dented after new coronavirus restrictions were announced on Sunday as NSW recorded 30 new cases.
A total of 68 people have now been infected as part of the Northern Beaches cluster as of 8pm on Saturday and the Boxing Day Sydney to Hobart yacht race has been cancelled.
The rain is also set to fall on Sydney’s coronavirus Christmas on Friday, the weather bureau said on Sunday night.
Ms Woodhouse said Christmas Day is likely to be wet and overcast for those living along the NSW coast, with possible thunderstorms again for the northern ranges.
‘The second half of the week is likely to have showers across the east for places like Sydney,’ she said.
Those living west of the NSW dividing ranges would enjoy a dry and sunny Christmas, however.
Flooding is expected for Monday in northern NSW with normally dry areas such as opal-mining capital Lightning Ridge expected to suffer severe downfalls
Rain is forecast for Christmas day all along the NSW coastal region. File photo
The rains are not only plaguing the NSW Christmas – they have also been forecast to dampen the festive day across the rest of Australia, with only some states expected to ring in the festivities with sunshine.
The Bureau of Meteology released its forecast for December 25, revealing a mixed bag of thunderstorms, flash flooding and blue skies.
Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said on Friday whether to eat outside on Christmas Day will depend on where you live.
Indoor celebrations are in favour for most of the Northern Territory and parts of Western Australia where showers and thunderstorms are expected.
Those down south are likely to enjoy fine and sunny weather, ideal for barbecues and backyard cricket, he said.
Here’s the forecast where you’ll be spending December 25.
Bondi Beach on Christmas Day 2018. The time-honoured tradition for young backpackers of flocking to Bondi will be rained out this year, the weather bureau has said
FORECASTS BY STATE/TERRITORY
Western Australia
Perth can expect a hot lead-up to Christmas with severe heat wave conditions possible as temperatures approach 40C.
By Christmas Day, the weather will cool slightly and peak in the low 30s.
‘A beautiful beach day, with just the chance of a shower here or there,’ Mr Narramore told ABC News.
Meanwhile, monsoonal conditions are expected to continue in the north of the state.
South Australia
Blue skies and sunshine are expected in the south, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid to high 20s.
It could get even hotter in Adelaide, with a maximum forecast of 34C on Christmas Day.
In the north of the state temperatures will remain high and the region could face showers and thunderstorms.
The weather bureau has released its forecast for December 25, revealing a mixed bag of thunderstorms, flash flooding and blue skies
Victoria
Victorians will wake up to a ‘fresh’ start in the morning, warming to a comfortable afternoon in the low 20s.
The mild weather will continue into the next day for the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Tasmania
In a similar vein to Victorian temperaturesm it will remain cooler in Tasmania with Hobart ‘flirting’ with 20C and mostly fine.
New South Wales/the Australian Capital Territory
Showers and thunderstorms are expected on the eastern coastal strip including Sydney.
Residents west of the Great Dividing Range can expect warmth and sun.
While Sydney and Canberra could see Christmas Day reach the high 20s, it will rain.
The Boxing Day Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race has now also been cancelled thanks to a Covid-19 outbreak.
A family home on a farm at Tintenbar near Ballina on the NSW north coast was destroyed by a falling fig tree during the wild storms last weekend. More bad weather is on the way
Queensland
Wet weather is set to continue across the Sunshine state heading into the festive season, with rain and storms forecast for most regions.
Brisbane can expect Christmas in the mid 20s with showers and possible storms.
While thunderstorms in other parts of the state could burden areas with already saturated river systems.
‘Flooding is definitely a concern, particularly where these storms form over already saturated creeks and river systems,’ Mr Narramore said.
Northern Territory
Darwin will see typical tropical weather with about 20C and thunderstorms expected.
Across the rest of the Territory, including the Kimberly region, residents will likely see widespread heavy rainfall and flooding up to Christmas.
In Alice Springs it will be warm and sunny on the 25th.
The forecast is being severely impacted by the La Nina weather pattern, bringing higher than average rainfall to much of Australia.