‘Highly unusual’ weather system floods four states simultaneously

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Flooding is spreading across four Australian states after days of intense rain from a rare weather system stalled over the country’s centre.

An unusually slow-moving tropical low has hovered above Munga-Thirri (Simpson Desert) for much of the week. Some areas have recorded more than 100mm of rain in a single day — an exceptional amount for this region.

According to Weatherzone, the system barely shifted between Sunday and Wednesday. Heavy rain and storms have caused flooding across the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales. Moisture from the same system also pushed south, triggering flooding in parts of Victoria.

In some locations, rainfall has come close to a full year’s average in just 24 hours. At Nappa Merrie in Queensland’s central west, nearly 170mm was recorded in one day. The area typically receives only 100–200mm annually.

Forecasters say the system may linger until at least Saturday, making it a full week of the same tropical low sitting over the desert — a highly unusual event.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned flooding could cut roads and isolate communities. Flood alerts remain in place across multiple states, with more rain expected to spread further south over the weekend.

Residents are urged to stay updated on warnings and avoid travel where conditions are unsafe.

More updates to come on AusNewsLanka.