'Severe storm trifecta' bringing a deluge this weekend

The ACT and the south-east region of NSW are set for another drenching this weekend from what at least one meteorologist is calling a “severe storm trifecta” during the coming days.

Storms, damaging winds and flash flooding are in the mix across the entire eastern seaboard of NSW and parts of Queensland. There’s also a chance of hail.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecast shows today (23 October) and Saturday as having the most instability from a low-pressure system and associated trough that are slowly moving east. These systems are also drawing high levels of humidity which will cause unsettled and stormy conditions. Thunderstorm activity is forecast to peak and become widespread today and tomorrow.

This will be followed closely by a cold front on Saturday that will bring significantly cooler conditions, dropping temperatures in the ACT down to 14 on Sunday and 11 on Monday. Snow is also forecast in the mountain ranges above 1700 metres.

Bureau meteorologist Alex Majchrowski told Region Media there is a strong chance of flash-flooding from fast-moving thunderstorms.

“We’re looking at rainfall totals of between 40 and 70 mm in the ACT on Saturday, with higher falls in the ranges. We should also see up to 30 mm in the Snowy Mountains and 20 mm on the South Coast,” Mr Majchrowski said.

“It’s likely that we’ll issue warnings for the possibility of flash flooding, thunderstorms and damaging winds and we’ll also be monitoring the risk of hail.

“The thunderstorms should be fairly fast-moving and will deliver lots of rain in short periods.

“The heaviest rain will be on Saturday but we will also see light to moderate falls into Thursday and Friday next week,” he said.

The combined storage levels of all of the ACT’s four dams was sitting just below 90 per cent. Both Bendora and Cotter dams have been at capacity since the beginning of October.

Icon Water’s general manager of infrastructure services Gerard Brierley said their modelling indicated it was very likely that overall dam levels would reach at least 90 per cent by December and may hit capacity by the end of the year.

The Queanbeyan unit of the State Emergency Service also said the rainfall and storms may cause localised flooding following a wet few weeks.

“There will be swelling to the Queanbeyan River, but at this time no flooding is predicted. Googong Dam is currently sitting at 87.79 per cent (as at 22 October).”

“Flash flooding may occur in parts of the Queanbeyan-Palerang area and we urge everyone to be vigilant and stay away from floodwater.”

The ACT State Emergency Service is also encouraging people to be prepared and ensure all gutters are clear and tarp any areas where water may leak, especially those with existing damage from previous storm events.

The ACT has already exceeded its rainfall average for October, with 76.2 mm, which is almost 15 mm above the long-term October rainfall average of 61.4 mm. The wettest October on record saw 161 mm fall in 1976.

The ACT has recorded 598.2 mm of rain over 99 days this year, which compares to 337.2 mm over 76 days last year.

The La Niña weather pattern is also making its presence felt with moisture streaming in from the Coral Sea. This moisture collides with instability over central Australia, which is triggering the latest round of widespread thunderstorms over the entire eastern half of Australia.

If you need assistance with damage from storms or floods, call ACTSES on 132 500.

Original Article published by Michael Weaver on The RiotACT.