Wild storm hits Alice Springs as eastern Australia braces for weather whiplash
A powerful thunderstorm has caused widespread damage in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, with homes, vehicles and businesses affected and thousands of residents left without electricity.
The storm struck on Monday afternoon, bringing heavy rain and destructive winds that uprooted trees, scattered branches and damaged properties. Sheds and trampolines were lifted by strong gusts, while some shops were flooded.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned that further thunderstorms could hit the region on Tuesday afternoon. The unsettled weather is also expected to affect parts of New South Wales and Queensland as a cool change moves across eastern Australia.
Sydney is already experiencing a sharp temperature drop. After reaching 35°C on Monday, the city is forecast to reach around 22°C on Tuesday, with rain and cloudy conditions expected to continue throughout the week.
BoM senior meteorologist Sarah Scully warned that severe thunderstorms could develop along parts of the NSW Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers, as well as south-east Queensland.
The storms could bring wind gusts exceeding 90km/h, large hail and heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash flooding. Gloucester and Taree on the NSW Mid North Coast could each receive around 40mm of rain from thunderstorms on Tuesday.
Sydney has already recorded 5.2mm of rain since midnight, with another 20mm possible.
The cooler conditions will also reach southern Australia. Melbourne is forecast to reach just 15°C, while Hobart could see a maximum of 13°C accompanied by strong winds.
Meteorologists say these rapid shifts between hot weather, storms and cooler conditions are typical during the seasonal transition from winter to summer.
Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to monitor weather forecasts, follow official warnings and stay alert to changing conditions.
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Source : 9 News
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