Warning as southeast could experience wettest December in 14 years

Severe thunderstorms threaten to drench the southeast with the wettest December in 14 years, the Bureau of Meteorolgy has warned.

Cars were left stranded in floodwaters in Brisbane’s north on Tuesday as 127mm of rain fell in just 12 hours in Cedar Creek Road.

Flood warnings have been issued across the Mary River, Baffle Creek, Bremer River, Burnett River, Burum and Cherwell Rivers Catchments, Don River, Paroo River, Upper Brisbane and Stanley Rivers, Warrego River, Barcoo River and the Condamine River.

“Severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall are possible over the northern CYP, and eastern districts south of Ingham and adjacent inland areas. Storms are possible across much of the state,” the Bureau of Meteorology posted to X.

“More showers and storms possible today across large parts of eastern Queensland, could lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding in areas.

“Heatwave continues in the west.

“Getting sunny in southeast Queensland later in the week.”

Temperatures were forecast to hit 30C in Brisbane on Wednesday amid the potential for severe storms.

It was a hot start to the week for Sydney however conditions began to cool on Wednesday after a 42C day on Tuesday.

Cloudy conditions and possible showers are expected to continue through Thursday before the sun is set to peek out again on Friday, bringing a high of 29C on Saturday.

However, there is a chance of rain and thunderstorms on Sunday.

Melbourne is in for another warm week, with temperatures set to hit 33C on Friday before possible showers move in through the weekend.

Perth is in for a sunny week with a high of 40C on Sunday, while Adelaide is expected to reach 33C on Thursday.

Hobart appears to be in for rain through the week with a top of 25C forecast for Friday.

There’s a chance of showers in Canberra on Wednesday, however conditions are set to warm later in the week with a top of 35C on Saturday.

Darwin is set for stormy conditions through much of the week with a high of 34C.

THOUSANDS LEFT WITHOUT POWER

More than 4000 people were without power across NSW on Wednesday following scorching temperatures on Tuesday.

About 1910 homes across East Gosford, Springfield, Gosford, North Gosford experienced unplanned power outages from 4.30am on Wednesday, according to Ausgrid.

A further 1888 people in Homebush West, Strathfield West, Homebush, Strathfield, Flemington, Sydney Olympic Park were also affected from 5.15am, while 729 people in Church Point, Scotland Island, Ingleside, Bayview, Elvina Bay, Mccarrs Creek were affected.

An Ausgrid spokesperson confirmed the weather had brought on the outages on Wednesday morning.

“There are currently 4,500 without power, which crews will be restoring when safe to do so,” the spokesperson said.

“It’s a combination of yesterday’s extremely hot conditions, then the southerly change that brought the storms and wind.

“We’re working to restore where we can, cancelling planned jobs in favour to get those back on.

“Our emergency crews are out there working to restore power where they can.”

The spokesperson could not provide a timeline for repairs, but said the issue would be resolved as soon as possible.

They urged people to keep clear of fallen powerlines.

“Never approach fallen powerlines — always assume they are live and stay at least eight metres or two car lengths away from them,” the spokesperson said.

However, an update at 9am said power was restored to 1800 customers, with 2700 still left without power as emergency work continued.

The fresh power outages follow scorching temperatures in Sydney on Tuesday, with temperatures having reached 42C in the outer western pockets of the city.

More than 2,500 people were left without power across the city on Tuesday morning, with blackouts first reported about 10am spanning Macauley Ave, Chapel Rd and surrounding streets of Bankstown.

Power was restored to the area shortly before midday.