Aussies have been warned to brace for severe weather today, with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and potential flash flooding expected to lash vast swathes of the country.
Severe weather warnings were issued for parts of NSW and Victoria early on Tuesday morning.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting heavy to locally intense rainfall in NSW's northwest, which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding and isolated thunderstorms.
While the BoM couldn't determine the exact location of the heaviest falls and the future movement of the low pressure system, locations which may be affected include Tibooburra, Broken Hill, Wilcannia, White Cliffs, Wanaaring and Menindee.
24 hour rainfall totals between 50 and 90 mm are likely, with isolated totals to 130 mm possible.
Periods of heavy rainfall may affect western New South Wales until the middle of the week.
Communities in northern and central parts of Victoria, including Melbourne, are also forecast to be hit by rainfall on Tuesday morning, with embedded thunderstorms developing into the afternoon.
The BoM has warned six-hourly rainfall totals between 40 to 70 mm are possible, with conditions expected to ease during Wednesday morning.
Residents in NSW's northwest have been warned they could experience dangerous flash flooding on Tuesday
A severe weather warning is in place for heavy rainfall across central Victoria, with thunderstorms expected to hit on Tuesday afternoon
Meteorologist Sarah Scully said the weather system is being drive by a low bringing tropical moisture from central Australia.
She warned the wet weather could continue until the end of the week.
'As we head into Wednesday, heavy rainfall with storms continues through eastern parts of Victoria and potentially south-eastern parts of NSW as well,' she said.
'Also just noticing that low pressure system lingering through central parts. In fact, it's not meant to move until potentially Friday later this week, with heavy rainfall possible each day this week.'
Ms Scully said much of mainland Australia could experience flooding.
'With all of this heavy rainfall, flood watches have been issued, extending all the way from the tropical north down into South Australia, but as well through north-western parts of NSW,' she said.
'And there are already a number of flood warnings across Queensland due to recent rainfall, as well as the major flood warning for the Flinders and the Cape rivers.
'So that's really indicating the grounds are already really wet and catchments swollen, and will respond very quickly to any further rainfall.'
Meteorologist Sarah Scully warned the wet weather could continue until the end of the week
Local authorities are advising people to avoid driving, riding or walking through flood water, keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
