Australia’s Southeast under heavy rains, flash floods threat

Sydney, The Gulf Observer: Residents in Australia’s southeast were warned on Wednesday to prepare for an intense weather system which could bring damaging winds and heavy rains over the next two days, media reported.

Victoria, home to Melbourne, is expected to be the worst-hit state with authorities urging residents in remote regional areas to stock essential supplies for at least three days as they fear rapidly rising waters could cut off entire towns.

Much of Victoria state and northern Tasmania should brace for wild winds and widespread heavy rains on Thursday of up to 120 mm (4.7 inches), about double the average for the entire month.

Wind speeds could reach up to 100 km per hour (62 mph) across central and eastern Victoria on Thursday.

Several dams and rivers in Victoria are already full because of a multi-year La Nina event, typically associated with increased rainfall. The phenomenon is underway for the third year in a row and will likely last into next year.