'Severe' and 'damaging' thunderstorms to hit Australia's east coast from tomorrow
Nearly all of Australia's capital cities are in for a drenching this week as days of rain and thunderstorms are forecast, with the east and south eastern coast bearing the brunt.
The first major storm of the season is likely and residents in the firing line are being warned to be prepared. They include Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart and Perth.
From tomorrow a series of cold fronts will bring rain, storms and blustery winds to southwestern Australia lasting until at least Friday.
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A thunderstorm forecast map for Thursday showing a system stretching from Queensland into Victoria, bringing rain, thunderstorms and damaging winds. Bureau of Meteorology
Miriam Bradley from the Bureau of Meteorology said the storms have the potential to be "severe".
"Over the next few days, developing tonight but then intensifying tomorrow and Thursday, we are going to see pretty significant areas of heavy rainfall and this is going to be even enhanced by thunderstorms," Ms Bradley told Today.
"Areas which are going to be hardest hit - basically anywhere along the great dividing range from South East Queensland all the way through New South Wales, down to north-east Victoria and then about the western slopes of those rains as well.
"Those thunderstorms have the potential to be severe both tomorrow and Thursday."
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Widespread rain and thunderstorms are predicted for eastern and southeastern Australia from tomorrow. Kate Geraghty
Ms Bradley said the storms could "produce damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding or large hail".
"All of those are quite significant risks. The damaging winds can bring down powerlines and trees and cause other damage.
"The heavy rainfall can lead to flash flooding and make hazardous driving conditions and even just conditions for being outdoors.
"It is definitely very important to stay aware of the risks and the forecast for your area."
In the Northern Territory, humid easterly winds will increase the likelihood of showers and thunderstorms over the western Top End later in the week.
Models suggest that Darwin could be in with a chance of picking up some rain late in the week, most likely around Friday or Saturday.
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