One Dead, Thousands Without Power as Fierce Storms Lash Southeast Australia
A 63-year-old woman tragically lost her life, schools have been closed, and tens of thousands are left without power as violent storms continue to batter Australia’s southeastern regions. The storm, marked by “destructive” winds exceeding 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour, has devastated the area, causing widespread power outages affecting around 150,000 people.
Victorian state premier Jacinta Allan cautioned that some areas might remain without power for up to three days due to the hazardous conditions hindering repair efforts. Coastal regions are facing additional challenges, with high tides eroding sand dunes, while authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as some schools have shut their doors.
In New South Wales, concerns are mounting that the fierce winds could exacerbate fire risks, with many areas already on high alert. New South Wales Rural Fire Service inspector Ben Shepherd warned that Sydney and its surrounding areas would experience the worst of the fire danger, although conditions are expected to improve later in the day.
Tasmania has also been hit hard, with parts of the island state experiencing flooding and winds gusting up to 150 kilometers (93.2 miles) per hour over the weekend. According to Christie Johnson, a senior forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology, a series of cold fronts sweeping across southeastern Australia is responsible for the damaging winds, though a reprieve is expected by Tuesday.
Despite the temporary relief, Johnson warned that more cold fronts are on the way later in the week, although they are not expected to be as severe.
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One Dead, Thousands Without Power as Fierce Storms Lash Southeast Australia
