Australia’s east coast is on alert for severe thunderstorms, destructive winds, and flash flooding, as the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warns of a dangerous weather system sweeping across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland this weekend.

The BoM issued multiple severe weather warnings on Saturday morning, citing “very dangerous thunderstorms” capable of producing large hailstones, damaging gusts, and heavy rainfall. The conditions are expected to intensify across the Hunter, mid-north NSW coast, and northern tablelands, before extending south and inland into Victoria and Queensland.

“This is a multi-day, multi-state event,” said BoM senior forecaster Dean Narramore. “We’re urging residents to stay alert, as some storms could bring flash flooding and destructive winds up to 120 km/h.”

Areas at Risk

Authorities said the Hunter Valley, Coffs Harbour, and Armidale regions are at highest risk, while inland towns such as Tamworth and Dubbo could also see isolated supercells forming later in the day.

In Victoria, the heaviest rainfall is forecast for the Gippsland and northeast alpine regions, with potential flooding along the Mitchell and Ovens rivers.

Queensland’s southern interior, including Toowoomba and Stanthorpe, may experience afternoon thunderstorm clusters extending into the evening.

The State Emergency Service (SES) has warned motorists to avoid driving through floodwaters and to secure outdoor furniture or loose structures ahead of expected wind gusts.

“We’ve already seen trees down in parts of the Hunter overnight,” said NSW SES spokesperson Sarah McDonald. “It only takes a few minutes for a storm to turn severe.”

Climate Context

Meteorologists say the current storm outbreak is being driven by a trough of low pressure drawing warm, humid air from the Coral Sea. The system is expected to interact with a cold front moving from South Australia, creating unstable conditions ideal for thunderstorm development.

The pattern aligns with Australia’s wet spring cycle under a lingering La Niña-like influence, with above-average rainfall recorded in multiple states this month.

“This is the kind of high-energy atmosphere that can trigger flash flooding and dangerous hail,” said Sky News Weather meteorologist Tom Saunders. “It’s typical of late spring, but the moisture load this year is unusually high.”

Safety Advice

The BoM and emergency services advise residents to:

• Monitor official warnings through the Bureau of Meteorology app or local radio updates.

• Avoid flooded roads and low-lying areas.

• Stay indoors during lightning activity.

• Keep emergency kits and mobile devices charged.

Authorities have not issued evacuation orders but said local alerts may be updated throughout the weekend as the system evolves.

The Takeaway

After a year marked by heatwaves and dry spells, Australia’s east coast now faces a sudden reversal — a dangerous spring storm cycle that could bring both relief and risk.

Residents from Sydney to Brisbane are urged to remain vigilant, as forecasters warn that the worst of the weather may still be to come.