Heavy rain, winds blast NSW coast as snow falls across Victoria in wild bout of weekend weather
A triple threat of weather is forecast to blast millions of Aussies this weekend, as heavy rain and winds hit the east coast and snow falls in the southern alpine region.
The first 'significant' snowfall of the year will hit Australia's mainland as a cold front settles in over the weekend.
Snowfall to elevations as low as 900 metres has been forecasted, as a trough develops.
Weatherzone reports up to 5cm of snow will gather at higher elevations with a higher chance of falls as the cold front drags moisture from a warmer than usual Tasman Sea.
The low pressure troughs sitting along the east coast are also causing 'unsettled weather', according to senior meteorologist at the at the Bureau of Meteorology, Miriam Bradbury.
'This weather pattern will continue into Friday, with the potential for some more moderate rainfall across the southeast of Queensland as we move into the later part of Friday and into Saturday,' Ms Bradbury said on Friday.
'A cold front is expected to cross southeast Australia, ushering in what is likely to be the coldest weekend of the year so far.
'We'll see scattered showers and locally gusty winds developing late (on Friday), going in to early (Saturday) as the front moves through.'
NSW
Flood warnings have been issued in New South Wales as some areas of the state are predicted to be lashed with up to 50 to 99mm of rain in just one day.
A minor flood warning has been issued for the Warrego River and the Darling River.
An initial flood watch warning has also been issued for the Manning, Myall, Paterson Williams and Hunter catchments.
Heavy fog has also hit Sydney, and drivers in Western suburbs are warned to take extreme care due to reduced visibility.
Temperatures in the harbourside city are predicted to reach a max of 22 degrees, but will be a mostly sunny day with rains predicted for later in the evening.
Queensland
Queensland is also facing heavy rains, with Surfers Paradise bearing the brunt with showers up to 15mm.
Brisbane is facing up to 10mm of rain, and the Sunshine Coast follows closely with up to 9mm.
A minor flood warning has been issued for the Lower Diamantina River, and Eyre Creek.
Brisbane is forecasted to hit a maximum of 26 degrees, and a 90 per cent chance of rain up to 10mm.
Thunderstorms may batter the urban hub this morning, but are predicted to ease as the day goes on.
Victoria
Lucky Victorians could catch early snowfall, especially in North Central and North East regions.
Lake Mountain, Mount Buller, Mount Hotham, Falls Creek will all probably see snow, following rainfall.
Regional Victoria could also receive some drought relief, as particular regions may experience showers.
Swan Hill, Ouyen, Horsham, Stawell, Nhill, Edenhope, Lake Eildon, most of Central Victoria, West and South Gippsland and East Gippsland will be hit with rainfall.
Melburnians are predicted to cop 15mm of rainfall with a 95 per cent chance of rain and temperatures of up to 14 degrees.
It will be a cloudy day with winds up to 25km/h.
South Australia
Although South Australia is facing minimal showers, a flood warning has still been issued for inland rivers as water levels remain elevated and fall slowly, impacting drivers.
Floodwaters from the Warburton River are flowing into northern parts of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre and will continue for several weeks.
Along Cooper Creek at Walkers Crossing and Coongie Lakes, creek levels remain elevated and continue to fall slowly.
Floodwaters may cut roads and access tracks, and in particular river crossings, impacting travel in the region.
Adelaide is forecasted with a 70 per cent chance of rain of up to 3mm, and temperatures up to 16 degrees.
Northern Territory
Darwin will be sunny and 31 degrees, with a zero chance of rain. Smoke haze may impact the region, and winds of up to 25km/h will ease later in the day.
Western Australia
Perth will experience similar weather conditions with a sunny 26 degrees, with a 5 per cent chance of rain.
Winds of up to 20km/h will ease around midday, and could pick up again in an easterly direction in the evening.
It will be chilly in Tasmania, with a maximum temperature of 11 degrees predicted for the day, along with a 30 per cent chance of rain.
Small hail could rain over the region, along with winds of up to 30km/h.
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