Intense weather system that triggered 500,000 lightning strikes pushes east, bringing heavy rain

Severe storms that brought almost 500,000 lightning strikes over parts of Western Australia on the weekend are pushing into eastern states causing heavy rain.

The wet weather system is sweeping across the country today, bringing rain and storms to western Victoria and south west New South Wales, says Weatherzone.

Thunderstorms led to the heaviest rainfall in many months across parts of southwestern WA, and nearly 500,000 lightning strikes within 200km of Perth.

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It left many parts of the state with their heaviest rain in months.

Bickley, about 30km from Perth CBD, had 21mm of rain on Saturday, its wettest day in four months.

The south central city of Kalgoorlie recorded 19mm of rain on Saturday, making it the the wettest March day in 10 years.

A large number of places recorded falls of 25mm to 50mm.

Other states will see heavy rain and storms from today, marking the start of unsettled conditions in coming days.

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The wet weather system swept across South Australia overnight. Today there will be light showers increasingly less likely through the afternoon. The maximum temperature in Adelaide will be 23C.

Eastern Victoria is forecast for heavy rain through today, with thunderstorms likely on and north of the ranges. Melbourne will see a top temperature of 19C.

In New South Wales, heavy showers are falling across eastern parts today. There is the chance of thunderstorms along the northern coast. Hazardous surf conditions will ease throughout today. Sydney will have a maximum of 27C, with the chance of thunderstorms.

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