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National
Velvet Winter, Chisa Hasegawa and Widia Jalal

BOM is predicting storms and flooding from NT all the way to Tasmania. Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of what you need to know

Almost half of the country is on high alert for flooding as the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predicts lashings of rain for the rest of the week. 

With the La Niña wet season wasting no time in drenching parts of the nation, SES services say now is the time to prepare for flooding.

Here is what you need to know about potential flooding in central and eastern Australia and how to keep safe.

Rainfall forecast.(ABC News)

Five rainy days lie ahead for ACT

Rain is almost guaranteed every day until Sunday in the ACT, with residents facing up to 115mm of rainfall by the end of the weekend.

"The ongoing, unusually high volume of rainfall we have continued to experience, has resulted in very high water content in our soil, causing saturation and an increased risk of flooding," ACT SES Chief Officer Anthony Draheim said.

ACT SES is working closely with NSW SES to keep both communities safe as they navigate similar challenges through this storm season.

The ACT government is encouraging residents to prepare by having an emergency plan and kit, never walk or drive in flood waters, know which emergency numbers to call and maintain property well to avoid blockages and minimise damage.

For more information head to the ACT Emergency services website.

Queenslanders will avoid worst but still need to prep

BOM has issued a minor flood warning for the Lower Macintyre River at Goondiwindi on Wednesday, following rain last week.

Further rises can be expected into the weekend given the forecast for further rain and possible thunderstorms over the next few days. 

South-west Queensland is expected to face heavy falls of 20-40mm, with localised rain falls of up to 80mm, forecast to occur in the afternoon and early evening on Wednesday.

Strong wind warnings have also been issued for the Torres Strait and Peninsula Coast.

Brisbane residents have been encouraged to pick up free sandbags in preparation for the oncoming La Nina season.

The capital city is being extra cautious this wet season after devastating floods killed 13 people and damaged 18,000 houses and business in February and March of this year.

For more information head to the Queensland Emergency services website.

Sodden NSW to be further drenched

An already-wet New South Wales should be on high alert for flash flooding, according to the BOM, which has issued mild-to-major flood warnings for multiple areas around the west of the state.

Locations that may be affected included Deniliquin, Tibooburra, Cobar, Bourke, Broken Hill and Wentworth.

Heavy rain and storms are expected for most of Wednesday, with a severe weather warning issued for people in Riverina, Lower Western, Upper Western and parts of Central West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts.

A severe weather warning was issued for people in Riverina, Lower Western, Upper Western and parts of Central West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts for most of Wednesday.

Storms will ease on Thursday before kicking up again for heavy rainfall on Friday and over the weekend.

The latest warnings coincide with NSW SES releasing their new Australian Warning System aimed at improving the communication between residents and emergency services during a flood.

The colour-coded system lets people know the threat level of incoming weather events.

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York braced the state for repeat floodings in a press conference on Tuesday.

"The majority of river systems are already full, and the predicted rainfall could see renewed river level rises similar to what has been experienced in the last month," said Commissioner York.

"Many communities across inland, central west and western NSW including Gunnedah, Wee Waa, Warren, Parkes, Forbes, and Albury are expected to be impacted.

For more information head to the NSW SES website.

Wet weather over mid NT

The Northern Territory will experience the tip of the storm front on Tuesday as it brings rainfalls of up to 15mm to the mid-centre region above Alice Springs and to the north near Darwin.

The wet weather is then expected to continue throughout the week and into the next week.

For more information head to the Northern Territory emergency services website.

South Australians told to stay vigilant

A low-pressure weather system will bring rain and possible thunderstorms to most districts of South Australia.

The BOM has issued wind warnings for the South Central Coast and Lower South East Coast and residents are encouraged to stay vigilant with checking warnings as thunderstorms could be severe.

SA SES has reduced the flood warning for Flinders District, advising motorists to take care as some roads in the area have been impacted.

Rain for South Australia from Wednesday is forecasted to be quite light, but the SA SES says that there is still potential for the creek system to overflow even if it is not raining.

For more information head to the South Australia emergency services website.

Tas storms will hit later in week

Tasmania will escape most of the rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday, with storms and rainfall moving in on Thursday in the north of the state.

Rainfall of up to 25mm is expected in areas near Devonport and Launceston, expanding into Friday before easing over the weekend.

A severe weather warning for damaging winds has also been issued for people in King Island and parts of Western, North West Coast and Central Plateau Forecast Districts.

For more information head to the Tasmania emergency services website.

Victoria SES inundated by rescue missions

Victoria emergency services are urging residents that have experienced recent flooding not to be complacent in the face of more rain.

A severe weather warning has been issued for people in parts of Mallee and Northern Country, with up to 70mm of rainfall possible on Wednesday.

But the heavy rainfall is expected to ease later in the day and into the night.

Minor flooding continues along parts of the Loddon River, with further flooding along the Kiewa and Snowy Rivers.

Minor to moderate flooding has also occurred along parts of the Murray and Edward rivers, with river rises expected in some areas over the next few days.

Other locations that could be affected are Mildura, Ouyen, Swan Hill, Kerang, Echuca and Shepparton. 

Storm activity will decrease slightly on Thursday before a low-pressure system will bring heavy falls over the weekend.

VIC SES is warning people not to drive through floodwater after responding to dozens of rescue calls for stranded vehicles this year.

For more information head to the Victoria emergency services website.

How to make sure you're prepared for a flood

This current sweep of wet weather is likely just the start as the BOM officially announced last month that Australia will experience its third consecutive La Niña summer.

Emergency services across the country are urging those in flood prone areas to be alert and prepared.

The NSW SES suggests these measures to help keep you and your family safe during flood season:

  • Have an emergency plan
  • Prepare an emergency kit
  • Clean out gutters and drains in your home to reduce blockage
  • Find out where the evacuation centres in your area will be
  • Talk to your local council about how flooding could affect your property
  • Ensure your insurance is up to date and suitable to your risk
  • Never walk, ride or drive through floodwater.
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