Severe storms forecast to batter NSW and Queensland with heavy rain, hail and strong winds

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued warnings for a multi-day storm system that will affect much of Queensland and eastern New South Wales from Saturday through Monday. Areas under threat include Sydney, Wollongong, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Moree, as well as inland locations such as Warwick, Roma and Charleville.

"These storms may bring heavy rainfall, that could lead to flash flooding, damaging winds, hail with a diameter greater than 2 cm, developing Saturday afternoon and this evening," BOM meteorologist Sarah Scully said.

The storms are expected to reach Sydney on Saturday evening, followed by an even larger system on Sunday that could affect Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. Scully warned that hail as large as five centimetres and wind gusts exceeding 120 km/h are possible.

"Within this area, you could see giant-sized hail, with a diameter greater than 5 cm, as well destructive wind gusts – in excess of 120 kilometres per hour," she added.

Severe thunderstorms are also forecast for much of southern and southeastern Queensland, with Gympie, Brisbane and surrounding regions facing heightened risk on Monday. Scully noted that both capital cities could see storm impacts, with Sydney most likely later on Saturday evening and Brisbane experiencing conditions on Sunday and possibly into Monday.

"And there’s the potential for damage to property, with wind damage to trees, trees being blown across roads. As well, powerlines to come down, causing power outages. And then of course the flash and riverine flooding can bring water across roads," she said.

Rainfall forecasts call for 1-9 mm in Sydney on Sunday and 5-30 mm on Monday, while Brisbane is expected to receive 1-15 mm on both days.