Deadly Summer Storms Batter Australia’s East Coast

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

SYDNEY (Worthy News) – Residents across Australia’s east coast were coping Monday with the aftermath of severe summer storms that authorities said killed at least one person, triggered evacuations, and left thousands without power as floodwaters rose and further storms threatened areas.

In Sydney, residents and holidaymakers were evacuated overnight Sunday from Narrabeen Lagoon on the city’s northern beaches before being allowed to return, officials said. Nearby, a landslide at Great Mackerel Beach damaged three homes and injured at least one woman.

The New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) said crews responded to 1,403 calls for help in the 24 hours to early Sunday, with cars submerged and homes flooded. At least 20 people were rescued, most after driving into floodwaters.

“We are urging everyone to keep safe and stay inside if you can,” SES Assistant Commissioner Sonya Oysten told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). “If you don’t know the roads, please try to avoid any travel.”

RECORD RAINFALL AND COASTAL WARNINGS

More than 1,000 volunteers were responding to clean-up operations across New South Wales, Worthy News learned. Sydney’s Observatory Hill recorded 56 millimeters of rain in two hours, while Shane’s Park on the city’s northwest edge topped 100 millimeters in 24 hours, breaking January records. Hazardous surf warnings remained in place along stretches of the coast from Newcastle to Batemans Bay, while strong winds battered areas from Coffs Harbour to the Hunter region, authorities said.

Police confirmed a woman died Saturday after a tree branch fell on her car at Macquarie Pass, south of Wollongong, while Queensland also faced severe weather. Thunderstorms knocked out power to about 11,000 properties, with more than 2,000 still without electricity in parts of the Lockyer Valley.

The Bureau of Meteorology warned that flooding risks remain high, with multiple flood warnings in force across Queensland following the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Koji. Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said major flooding could persist in parts of central Queensland for days.

While conditions eased in some coastal areas, forecasters warned that more storms and heavy rain could affect large parts of eastern and northern Australia in the coming days.

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