Eastern Australia has been hit by a rare winter storm, bringing heavy snow to parts of New South Wales and southern Queensland some areas recording their heaviest snowfall in nearly 40 years.
Towns across the northern tablelands of NSW, including Armidale, Guyra, Glen Innes, and Walcha, received up to 40 centimeters of snow. In southern Queensland, light snow was reported in Stanthorpe, Warwick, and nearby areas marking the first snowfall there in over a decade.
Roads, including the New England Highway, were closed due to snow and black ice, stranding more than 100 vehicles. The NSW SES responded to over 1,400 emergency calls across the state.
In addition to the snow, torrential rain caused flooding in towns like Tamworth, Gunnedah, and Raymond Terrace, with up to 130mm of rain falling in 24 hours. A search is underway for a missing woman swept away by floodwaters near Cessnock.
Meteorologists say the snow’s intensity and reach are highly unusual, with experts linking it to increasing climate volatility.
Authorities urge residents to stay off the roads, monitor weather alerts, and take safety precautions.