Sydney, Canberra on alert for thunderstorms, flooding and damaging winds

Wild weather has rocked parts of southeastern Australia in recent weeks, and more is on the way.

In the past week, heavy mountain snow, severe thunderstorms, damaging winds and a major dust storm have all occurred across parts of Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.

A potent storm system will cross Victoria and New South Wales into Wednesday night, unleashing another round of severe weather.

The most widespread risks will be for flooding rain and damaging winds that will affect areas from Canberra to Sydney.

This storm will likely cause significant disruptions to air, rail and road travel. Ferry services will also be impacted in coastal communities.

Rain and thunderstorms reached Canberra overnight, and will continue into Wednesday morning causing delays to the morning commute.

Additional downpours are expected through midday on Wednesday before tapering to showers in the afternoon.

Canberra will dodge the strongest winds; however, wind gusts of 30-40 mph will occur from Wednesday into Wednesday evening.

The worst of the storm will shift eastward on Wednesday, bringing torrential downpours into Sydney and Newcastle.

Total rainfall of 50-100 mm (2-4 inches) is forecast for the region within a 24 to 36-hour period, bringing a significant risk for flash flooding and travel disruption.

Damaging winds will also be a concern as peak gusts reach 85-100 km/h (50-62 mph) during the height of the storm Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening.

This magnitude of wind can result in widespread power cuts, tree damage and some damage to homes and businesses.

The powerful winds will also elevate the risk for coastal flooding and create dangerous surf and rip currents along the coast of New South Wales on Wednesday and Thursday.

As the storm departs later this week, it will be followed by a period of dry and breezy weather for Canberra and Sydney from Friday into Sunday.

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