Eastern Australia has been battered by a historic snowstorm, delivering the region deepest snowfall in decades and bringing daily life to a grinding halt. Over the weekend, thick snow, torrential rain, and fierce winds triggered flooding, blackouts, and widespread damage across New South Wales and neighboring areas.
According to the NSW State Emergency Service, some towns saw up to 50 cm of snow while others were drenched with more than 10 cm of rain. The New England North West region witnessed its heaviest snowfall in 20 years, blanketing roads, farms, and residential zones under a thick white sheet.
Authorities responded to over 1,455 emergency incidents, with more than 100 vehicles stranded in snow-covered or flooded roads. Thousands of homes were left without electricity as power lines collapsed under the weight of ice and snow.
In a worrying development, search efforts are underway for a woman swept away by rising floodwaters after her car got stuck. Emergency crews are navigating treacherous conditions to assist residents trapped or cut off due to landslides, icy roads, and overflowing rivers.
Public warnings remain in place as meteorologists forecast continued cold and stormy conditions. Schools and businesses in high-impact zones are either closed or operating under emergency protocols.
This unprecedented winter storm highlights Australia’s growing climate unpredictability, with authorities urging residents to stay indoors, avoid travel, and follow official safety advisories as recovery and rescue operations continue.