The Bolt Inn in Uralla, New South Wales, has turned into a safe spot for locals who had to leave their homes because of the heavy snowstorm. It’s providing shelter, warmth, and comfort to those affected by the extreme weather. Yahoo!
This weekend, several towns in eastern Australia woke up to a rare sight. Heavy snow covered homes, cars, and gardens after wild weather hit the region. The snowfall reached up to 40 centimeters in some areas.
Most Snow Since the 1980s
A strong cold front passed over northern New South Wales on Saturday. It brought the heaviest snow the region has seen since the mid-1980s. “It’s not just the amount of snow that’s surprising,” said Miriam Bradbury, a meteorologist. “It’s also how far the snow spread across the northern tablelands.”
Snow Reaches Queensland
Even Queensland saw snow, which hasn’t happened in ten years. Snow settled on roads, fields, and even golf courses. Towns unused to such cold weather struggled with the sudden change.
Emergency Services Respond
The wild weather didn’t stop with snow. Heavy rain battered other parts of New South Wales. Emergency teams were kept busy. They responded to over 1,400 incidents across the state. More than 100 vehicles got stuck in the snow. Storms also damaged buildings and caused flash flooding.
Flood Warnings Issued
Authorities issued several major flood alerts. Strong winds and rain made things worse for many towns. Some homes were damaged, and streets flooded quickly. Emergency services urged people to stay indoors and avoid travel unless necessary.
A thick layer of snow covered the grass at a golf club in Armidale, New South Wales, creating a rare winter scene in the region. Reuters
Power Outages Hit Thousands
The storm knocked out power for tens of thousands of homes overnight. Cold winds and no electricity made conditions tough. Crews worked to fix the damage, but progress was slow in some areas due to dangerous weather.
Ongoing Search for Missing Woman
Tragedy struck in New South Wales. A car got trapped in rising floodwaters on Saturday night. A woman in her 20s, who was in the car, was swept away. Rescue teams searched the area on Sunday and are continuing their efforts.
Changing Weather Patterns
Experts say this kind of extreme weather could become more common. “Climate change has made Australia’s weather more unpredictable in recent years,” said Ms Bradbury. Still, she noted that snow events like this have happened before in the country’s history.
Locals Share Rare Moments
Residents shared photos and videos online. Children built snowmen while adults cleared driveways. Many described the snow as magical but also shocking. Most towns in these regions rarely see snow, so the storm was both a surprise and a challenge.
