Millions of Australians are bracing for power outages and dangerous driving conditions as wild thunderstorms sweep across three states.
Thunderstorms were developing over Adelaide and south-east South Australia on Sunday and were expected to track across large swathes of New South Wales and Victoria during the afternoon and evening.
The Bureau of Meteorology called for residents in the three states and the ACT to keep on the lookout for the latest warnings.
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“This will cover several of our major population centres, including Melbourne and Adelaide and to a slightly less degree Canberra as well,” Miriam Bradbury, a senior meteorologist, said. “All of these areas may see storms on Sunday, with Melbourne and Adelaide possibly seeing severe thunderstorms.”
Bradbury said winds might be strong enough to bring down trees or branches across roads, potentially leading to dangerous driving conditions and property damage.
“Those severe thunderstorm warnings may also flag the risk of large hail and heavy rain,” she said.
“These are less likely than the strong winds but are still possible with thunderstorms, particularly through central Victoria and parts of the Melbourne area.”
The southern Riverina was most at risk of the forecast thunderstorm activity in western and inland NSW.
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“For Canberra, there is a chance of some gusty thunderstorms later this evening but we’re less likely to see the severe storms there,” Bradbury said.
Conditions were expected to peak on Sunday afternoon and evening before easing on Monday.