Southeastern Australia Grapples with Severe Weather Onslaught

Southeastern Australia, primarily New South Wales and Victoria, has been impacted by severe weather conditions, including hazardous surf, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and snowfall. Authorities issued warnings for coastal erosion, flash flooding, and disruptions to travel and power, advising residents and campers to take precautions across the affected regions.

Hazardous Coastal Conditions

Authorities issued warnings for "one-in-50 to one-in-100-year" surf conditions along the New South Wales (NSW) coastline, with Surf Life Saving NSW describing waves as potentially "the largest in 100 years." A coastal hazard warning was in effect for approximately 800 kilometers of coastline, stretching from Seal Rocks to the Victorian border.

Surf heights were reported to exceed 5 meters along much of the Batemans Bay to Hunter stretch, with potential peaks close to 15 meters in some areas and waves possibly exceeding 10 meters. Swell periods were recorded in excess of 15 to 16 seconds. The Sydney wave buoy recorded a maximum of 5.7 meters, while approximately 8 meters was observed in deep waters off the Eden coast. Thirroul Beach experienced swells up to 4-5 meters.

The severe conditions led to widespread beach closures. Damage was reported at Thirroul Surf Club, impacting its roller door and interior. Sandon Point experienced damage to stairways, walkways, and pathways, and many beaches underwent significant erosion.

Surf Life Saving NSW General Manager Brent Manieri and Ch Insp Anthony Brazzill from Marine Area Command advised the public to avoid coastal activities such as swimming, surfing, boating, and fishing. The public was also urged to stay clear of rock platforms, headlands, and exposed beaches.

Surf Life Saving NSW indicated that its emergency response capabilities might be impacted by the conditions. Authorities noted that similar surf conditions 12 months prior had resulted in six fatalities.

High Winds and Related Disruptions

Gale-force winds were reported across the region. A Tasman low-pressure system caused a rare storm force marine wind warning south of Norah Head, indicating winds equivalent to a Category 2 tropical cyclone. Wind gusts reached 119 km/h at Green Cape and 130 km/h at Montague Island. The Illawarra region was anticipated to experience gusts of 120 km/h, and Sydney's southern coastline over 100 km/h. Strong winds exceeding 100 km/h also impacted the Illawarra overnight. Winds averaging 60-70 km/h were projected for parts of the coastline, particularly near Jervis Bay.

These wind conditions resulted in travel disruptions, including delays at Sydney Airport. Some ferry services, such as the F1 Manly Ferry, were cancelled, as were trains and metro services on Sydney's north shore.

Tens of thousands of power outages occurred in NSW, with approximately 4,000 homes remaining without power. The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) reported over 400 incidents statewide following a storm less than 24 hours prior, primarily involving fallen trees and flooded roads.

Further incidents included a partial crane collapse at a building site in Dubbo, and approximately 250 incidents, mostly related to fallen trees, across south-east NSW, with nearly 100 in Moruya. The SES received 98 calls for assistance in the south-eastern zone within a 24-hour period. Fallen trees also caused damage to vehicles and power lines. Sporting events, including an NRL game at Brookvale Oval and the Sheffield Shield final and an AFL game in Victoria, were also affected.

Heavy Rainfall and Flood Warnings

Heavy rainfall was forecast for the southern region of NSW, with up to 80mm of rain predicted to fall in a six-hour period through Friday morning along the NSW South Coast. Isolated falls of up to 120 millimeters were also anticipated. Sydney was expected to receive up to 100mm of rain over Saturday and Sunday, with thunderstorms possible statewide.

Preliminary rainfall data showed substantial precipitation in some areas. Brogo Dam near Bega recorded 107mm and 115mm in different 24-hour periods ending Friday morning. Merimbula Airport recorded 110mm, and Green Cape 77mm in the 24 hours leading up to Friday morning. Local residents in Eden, Kiah, and Nethercote reported higher localized totals.

Authorities identified flash flooding on roads as a potential risk, particularly in the Illawarra. Campers at the Garden of Eden caravan park in Eden were evacuated from low-lying areas into cabins, with some tents and belongings damaged as the nearby river rose.

The SES advised campers and travelers in high-risk, low-lying coastal areas to pack up and relocate, and caravan park operators in the Illawarra contacted campers regarding precautions and potential evacuations.

Motorists were advised to check weather conditions, ensure vehicle maintenance, defer travel if necessary, and avoid driving through floodwaters.

Snowfall and Temperature Drop

Temperatures dropped below zero in parts of NSW's central and southern tablelands and the Snowy Mountains. Snowfall was reported in Orange and Millthorpe, as well as at ski resorts such as Perisher (10cm overnight) and Thredbo (15cm). The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecasted blizzard conditions for areas above 1,600 meters and noted that parts of NSW and the Australian Capital Territory could experience their coolest March day in over 30 years.

Forecast

The Bureau of Meteorology indicated that damaging surf conditions would continue into Saturday before gradually easing. Destructive winds were expected to continue along much of the coastline before easing over the weekend as the Tasman low-pressure system retreats. The heaviest rain was forecast to shift north, impacting the Illawarra and Sydney on Saturday, and the Hunter region by Sunday. Higher temperatures were forecast for Sydney (23C Saturday, 25C Sunday) and Melbourne (19C Saturday, 20C Sunday) during the weekend. Council workers and surf lifesavers are monitoring the situation and will commence cleanup and assessment once conditions ease.