NSW, Victoria brace for ‘punchy’ thunderstorms and possible flash flooding

Areas either side of the NSW-Victoria border are under severe rainfall warnings for Tuesday as “punchy” thunderstorms could hit inland parts of NSW as well.

Up to 60mm of rain is possible in parts of the Snowy Mountains and Victoria’s northeast ranges early Tuesday morning, prompting a flash flood warning from the Bureau of Meteorology.

While the heavy rain should ease by Tuesday afternoon, severe thunderstorms may follow.

Meteorologist Angus Hines said most of the geographic area of NSW would be drenched on Tuesday.

“A wet Tuesday lies in store for almost all of NSW … depending on which side of the Great Dividing Range you live on,” he said.

Inland areas can expect lots of rain, as well as thunderstorms in the morning, all the way from Tamworth down to the west of the ACT which could turn to severe thunderstorms.

“Some thunderstorms could be really punchy, bringing heavy rainfall, damaging winds and even some large hail stones if you’re on the eastern side,” Mr Hines said.

Sydney is forecast for 5 to 10mm of rain Tuesday. Melbourne should see 10 to 20mm of rain across the morning.

The band of potential thunderstorms could also reach Mount Isa down to the Maranoa, which will drift eastwards, Mr Hines said, but that front will not bring much if any rain to coastal Queensland.

Originally published as NSW, Victoria brace for ‘punchy’ thunderstorms and possible flash flooding