Heaviest rain in years for the southeast
Tristan Meyers,
Monday May 9, 2016 - 12:50 AEST
Heavy rain is continuing to fall today across the southeast, with many places having their biggest wet in years.
A moisture-laden low pressure trough has been sweeping eastward across the country of the last few days. As it reached the southeast yesterday, the rain intensified.
In New South Wales, Wanaaring was doused with 79mm to 9am this morning. This was the heaviest rain in four years. Phosphate Hill in Queensland had a staggering 92mm to 9am this morning - a total not seen in six years. The Victorian towns of Ararat and Stawell had 39mm and 37mm, respectively, their heaviest rainfall in five years regardless of any month. The rain around Ararat lead to some dams to overflowing.
These widespread totals are unusual for May. The 79mm that fell at Wanaaring was the heaviest in 78 years, while Wagga Wagga had their largest May total in 28 years at 46mm. Condobolin, Young Airport and Camooweal each had their biggest May rain in 20 years or more. The last May that Rutherglen, Wangaratta and Strathbogie were this wet was in 2007, with 37mm, 27mm and 34mm collecting in the bucket.
Although the wet stuff didn't miss Tasmania, the Apple Isle has seen heavy showers fairly recently. However, the 37mm that fell at Mount Wellington was the largest May rain in three years.
Widespread rain in excess of 15mm is continuing today through VIC and central NSW as the trough continues its easterly shift. However, pockets of in excess of 50mm are possible on the Alpine region as well as northern and central parts of VIC.
Isolated showers will continue across Tuesday in VIC and southern NSW, but by Wednesday a large high pressure ridge will usher in settled and sunny weather across the majority of the south and east.
- Weatherzone
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2016