Australia's storm season has entered its most active phase, with the next 72 hours expected to bring heavy rain, showers, and thunderstorms across the eastern two-thirds of the country. The highest risk of severe weather is forecast for today.
Dangerous supercell thunderstorms are likely to develop over densely populated areas of south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales. These storms may produce large hail and possibly one or two tornadoes.
While thunderstorms intensify along the east coast, a new cloudband is set to form over South Australia this weekend. It is expected to bring up to a month's worth of rain across south-east regions early next week, reaching Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, and Melbourne with moderate rainfall.
A supercell is defined as a storm with a deep rotating updraft, distinguished by its extreme intensity, unique behavior, and significant impacts.
This type of thunderstorm is rare but poses the greatest danger, fueled by a volatile mix of atmospheric conditions currently aligning over eastern Australia.
Australia braces for a volatile 72-hour stretch of heavy rain and violent supercell storms, threatening tornadoes and large hail along the eastern seaboard.