A rare and rapidly intensifying storm system known as a bomb cyclone is lashing the eastern coast of Australia, triggering widespread flooding, destructive winds and power outages across New South Wales.
The system has formed unusually close to land, prompting urgent warnings and evacuations along parts of the coast and is being described by meteorologists as one of the most intense weather events to hit the region in years.
The storm has already brought wind gusts of up to 125km/h and more than 200mm of rain to some areas with more to come.
The State Emergency Service has received around 1500 calls in the past 24 hours, mostly for fallen trees, roof damage and flooding.
Power provider Ausgrid says more than 30,000 customers are without electricity, particularly across the Central Coast and Newcastle regions.
Residents in low-lying areas like Wamberal and The Entrance North have been urged to evacuate, with surf surges and coastal erosion threatening homes and businesses.
Sydney Airport is also down to a single runway due to high winds, with dozens of flights delayed or cancelled.
While New South Wales has faced major weather events in recent years, including catastrophic bushfires and flooding, meteorologists say the current system is among the most damaging in terms of combined rain, wind and coastal impact.
What is a bomb cyclone?
A bomb cyclone is a meteorological term for a low-pressure system that intensifies dramatically dropping at least 24 millibars in atmospheric pressure within 24 hours.
The rapid deepening causes extreme weather: gale-force winds, intense rain and powerful surf.
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including Australia’s weather bomb, the surprising costs of getting one more dog, and BTS are back. (Source: 1News)
While more common in the northern hemisphere, bomb cyclones are rare in Australia, especially ones this close to land.
What it means for New Zealand
Although the storm’s core is anchored over the Tasman near Australia, its outer edges are now influencing weather patterns in New Zealand, particularly in the upper North Island.
Remnants of bomb cyclone to impact on New Zealand – Watch on TVNZ+
MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Watch and Strong Wind Watch for Auckland and Northland on Thursday.
Gusts may reach severe gale in exposed areas, and forecasters warn of possible surface flooding and travel disruption.
Wellington and Christchurch are also likely to see rain and cooler conditions from Thursday, as the system pushes a broad area of moisture and instability across the country.
Boaters and coastal communities in northern New Zealand should brace for hazardous marine conditions, with swell and wind from the Tasman set to rise sharply late in the week.
Long-range forecasts from NIWA suggest July may continue to bring unsettled conditions, particularly in the north. Warmer-than-average sea temperatures in the Tasman are expected to contribute to further bursts of heavy rain this winter.
New Zealanders are being advised to keep a close eye on MetService forecasts, exercise caution around beaches and waterways in the upper North Island, and prepare for potential delays or disruptions to domestic flights and transport later in the week. 1News will continue to provide regular updates.
