Severe storms have left thousands of homes without power and one person dead in New South Wales as temperatures soared into the 30s on Wednesday. The state's Rural fire service issued a warning for catastrophic fire danger, prompting authorities to urge people to leave fire-risk areas and stay out of paddocks and bushland.
A man in his 70s died after being struck by a falling tree in Glenworth Valley on the Central Coast. He was rushed to hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries. Meanwhile, another man in Orange suffered multiple injuries when a tree fell on his car.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings for severe thunderstorms heading east, with the potential for damaging winds and hailstorms. The storms were expected to sweep across southern Queensland before moving into northern New South Wales. Wind gusts of over 90km/h were recorded in some areas, including Trangie research station near Dubbo.
The combination of strong winds, high temperatures, and dry vegetation has left fire authorities on high alert. Residents in the lower central west region were urged to stay vigilant, as homes could be lost if a fire takes hold. Firefighters were battling 24 bushfires across the state, with some under control while others continued to spread.
Temperatures reached 41C in Walgett, northern New South Wales, making it one of the hottest parts of the state. The heatwave has also affected neighboring Queensland, where temperatures are 6-10 degrees above average. Residents were advised to stay safe and check fire bans and warnings before traveling.
The NSW SES has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel as they leave work this afternoon, citing concerns about bushfire dangers. With elevated fire conditions expected to last into Thursday, the community is bracing for more severe weather. As Australia enters its bushfire season, officials are warning of increased dangers, with one firefighter already losing his life in a blaze on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula over the weekend.
As stormy weather continues to sweep across the state, residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
A man in his 70s died after being struck by a falling tree in Glenworth Valley on the Central Coast. He was rushed to hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries. Meanwhile, another man in Orange suffered multiple injuries when a tree fell on his car.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings for severe thunderstorms heading east, with the potential for damaging winds and hailstorms. The storms were expected to sweep across southern Queensland before moving into northern New South Wales. Wind gusts of over 90km/h were recorded in some areas, including Trangie research station near Dubbo.
The combination of strong winds, high temperatures, and dry vegetation has left fire authorities on high alert. Residents in the lower central west region were urged to stay vigilant, as homes could be lost if a fire takes hold. Firefighters were battling 24 bushfires across the state, with some under control while others continued to spread.
Temperatures reached 41C in Walgett, northern New South Wales, making it one of the hottest parts of the state. The heatwave has also affected neighboring Queensland, where temperatures are 6-10 degrees above average. Residents were advised to stay safe and check fire bans and warnings before traveling.
The NSW SES has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel as they leave work this afternoon, citing concerns about bushfire dangers. With elevated fire conditions expected to last into Thursday, the community is bracing for more severe weather. As Australia enters its bushfire season, officials are warning of increased dangers, with one firefighter already losing his life in a blaze on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula over the weekend.
As stormy weather continues to sweep across the state, residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
I mean, I know it's summer and all, but 41C in Walgett? That's just insane! 
And the fact that people have already lost power and homes are at risk of catching fire... it's just a nightmare. I hope everyone stays safe out there, especially those in bushfire-prone areas. 
The SES is right to be warning people about unnecessary travel, but at the same time, we can't stay cooped up forever. Maybe just use some common sense and check fire bans/warnings before heading out? 
, but at the same time, it's not like anyone asked for this kind of heatwave. And poor bloke who died from a falling tree? That's just devastating 
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. And what really gets me is that it seems like we're always just one step behind when it comes to being prepared... like, isn't there something they could've done to prevent this? 
.
We don't need any more drama than we already have.
! I'm so worried about all these people who lost power and homes 
️! Can't believe it's already getting hot in July too 
. Anyone got any tips on how to prepare for these storms? 
. storms can be so scary but like we all know the authorities are on it to keep us safe 90km/h winds tho?! that's wild 
. gotta respect the firefighters battling those bushfires too 
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. And another person lost their life already? It's like, come on Mother Nature 
and I'm not ready for it... Literally. I mean, 41C in Walgett? That's insane 
! And don't even get me started on the bushfires... It's like Australia's own personal game of "don't let the fire burn" 
. I feel so bad for that poor guy who got killed by a falling tree, RIP 
. The SES is being super responsible with those travel warnings, though - can't blame them for wanting to keep people safe 
. Stay safe, Australia! 
The SES is right to advise against unnecessary travel, though - safety first, you know? 
And what's with the fire bans in Queensland? Are they just, like, a precautionary measure or is there something specific going on? 
. I mean, 30s temperatures? That's not even spring anymore! And the fires, oh man... it's like they're waiting to pounce on any dry patch 
. People making a big deal about some severe storms and heatwave. Like, what's new? Every year it's "oh no, it's going to be too hot" or "oh no, there's a bushfire". Can't we just chill out for once? I mean, I'm not saying anyone should take unnecessary risks, but do you really need the government telling you to stay indoors all day? 
. I guess that's just the price we pay for living in one of the sunniest countries on earth, though. At least the SES is looking out for everyone by warning us about all this... let's just hope they can keep up with it! 
IT'S LIKE THE WHOLE COUNTRY IS BEING HIT WITH A PERFECT STORM! I FEEL SO BAD FOR THE FOLKS IN NEW SOUTH WALES, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO LOST POWER AND ARE DEALING WITH THOSE DANGEROUS FIRES. 30S TEMPS ARE CRAZY, I CAN IMAGINE IT'S LIKE WALKING INTO A WARM HUG THAT YOU JUST CAN'T GET COMFORTABLE WITH! 
Anyway, I'm just saying, can we please just have a chill summer for once?