Two states on the east coast are in the grips of a major deluge, with warnings more rain and life-threatening flash flooding is on the way.
Meanwhile, modelling suggests two possible cyclones could be forming in the nation’s far north.
Meteorologist Jonathan How from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said Sydney’s rain will last for the next eight to ten days.
“So another eight to 10 days of quite showery, cool conditions.
“Thankfully, over the next few days the rain won’t be quite as heavy but the ground is so saturated so take care in low-lying areas.”
A “metre of rain” could fall on parts of south-east Queensland, Mr How predicted.
The warnings come after parts of Sydney and the Central Coast received more than a months worth of rain in two hours yesterday.
Mr How called the rain “torrential”.
Inner-city streets turned into rivers when a storm cell hit around midday, trapping cars and forcing the closure of some train lines.
The State Emergency Service (SES) has received 632 calls for help.
Weatherzone said more than 110mm of rain fell at Marrickville since 9am, including 98mm in just two hours in the afternoon.
In Sydney’s west, more than 87mm of rain fell at Toongabbie.
The Central Coast was also hard hit.
The Central Coast Highway was closed in both directions at West Gosford, prompting warnings for people to avoid the area.
Zookeepers had the delicate task of relocating the animal after it became stuck between fences.
A separate weather system is causing chaos across south-east Queensland.
Parts of the Sunshine Coast recorded 300mm in just three hours overnight.
The wet weather will hit Brisbane and the Gold Coast this afternoon, with warnings of life-threatening flash flooding.
Multiple flood warnings are currently in place for the state, with two severe storm warnings also issued.
Areas in the firing line include the Southeast Coast and parts of Wide Bay and Burnett Forecast Districts — as well as parts of Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Maranoa and Warrego and Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts.
People play in floodwaters as Sydney smashed by wild storms
“Heavy, locally intense rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding is occurring north of Brisbane and across the Sunshine Coast and southern Wide Bay,” the BoM said.
“Heavy to intense rainfall is forecast to extend to areas east of about Maryborough, Toowoomba, Boonah and the Gold Coast early Wednesday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100mm to 200mm are likely, with 250mm to 350mm possible.”
Weatherzone has also warned that two tropical cyclones could potentially form over northern Australia later this week.
“A number of forecast models suggest that two tropical lows may develop near northern Australia later this week, one to the north of WA and the other somewhere around the Gulf of Carpentaria or northern Coral Sea,” Weatherzone said.
“At this stage, it is too early to know exactly where, when and how much these low pressure systems will develop.
“However, there is enough model agreement to suggest that the two low pressure systems may move into environments that are favourable for tropical cyclone development near Australia, most likely towards the end of this week or early next week.”
Here’s how the weather is looking around the nation’s capitals today.
It will be a wet and stormy day in Brisbane, where the mercury is tipped to reach 24C.
There’s a chance of showers, and the chance of a thunderstorm in the west from late this morning.
Heavy rain is easing today in Sydney, with the city tipped to reach 28C.
There’s still a very high chance of showers, and the chance of a thunderstorm.
It will be a sunny, hot and humid day in Melbourne, with a maximum of 32C forecast.
There’s a slight chance of a shower and the chance of a thunderstorm during this afternoon and early evening, most likely about the outer western suburbs and eastern hills.
A shower or two could hit the nation’s capital today, with the BoM forecasting a medium chance of rain.
This is “most likely during this afternoon and early evening”.
There’s also a chance of a thunderstorm.
Temperatures will range between 14-26C.
It will be a hot, partly cloudy day in Hobart, with temperatures reaching 28C.
The mercury will climb to 32C in Adelaide, which has a clear and hot day in store.
A maximum of 31C will be felt in tropical Darwin.
There’s a high chance of showers, most likely from the late morning, and the chance of a thunderstorm.
Perth’s run of hot weather continues, with a 35C day forecast.
It will be a sunny, clear day.