Dangerous fire conditions forecast as states swelter
Australia's western regions are preparing for a weekend of tough fire conditions while storms are expected to batter the east coast.
Weather
Severe thunderstorms have battered parts of the east coast with emergency crews responding to thousands of calls and more wild weather on the horizon.
The damage bill continues to climb as 30,000 people remain without power after days of superstorms battering the eastern states - and it's not over yet.
Insurers have declared a devastating hail storm that hammered two states a catastrophic event after more than 16,000 claims were lodged within 24 hours.
Update
Top Enders see cyclone off and start clean-up
It was a noisy and sleepless night for Darwin residents as Cyclone Fina's extreme wind and rain battered, banged and shook everything in its path.
Update
‘Don’t panic’: shelters open as cyclone nears Darwin
People have been told to shelter in their homes or public sites as the first cyclone of the season approaches major population centres in the Top End.
Update
Locals prepare as first cyclone of season bears down
Top End residents are preparing for heavy downpours and destructive winds as the first cyclone of the season approaches, prompting an offer of federal support.
Bottled water, bread, canned foods and other household goods have moved off supermarket shelves at a fast rate as residents prepare for a tropical cyclone.
More heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts, and large hail are possible, as powerful storms continue to lash parts of eastern Australia.
The Bureau of Meteorology is warning of giant hail, damaging winds and potential flooding as thunderstorms roll across several states.
Nine people attending a school fair were pelted with giant hailstones in a supercell thunderstorm, as Australia's east is warned more wild weather is on the way.
Giant hail stones, damaging winds and heavy rain are pounding one of eastern Australia's main population zones, leaving some areas without electricity.
The Bureau of Meteorology says some "very dangerous", isolated thunderstorms are possible in southeast Queensland and into northern NSW.
More wild weather has been forecast with multiple states on high alert as tributes flow for a young woman fatally struck by lightning.
A north-south storm band stretching across the continent is likely to deliver heavy storms and possibly damaging winds.
A bubble of heat is sending temperatures soaring in two states, fuelling bushfire risks and record temperatures as winds send hot air swirling.
With the possibility of snow on the mountains around the ACT over the weekend, police are urging drivers and people participating in outdoor activities to be well-prepared to ensure their safety during trips on rural and regional roads.
Wild weather is hammering both sides of the nation and police are reminding people to avoid floodwater as a search for a missing woman ramps up.
Blizzards have returned to alpine areas as much of Australia cops a drenching from a sprawling rain band moving across the country.
