Historic Snowstorm Blankets Eastern Australia

Eastern Australia witnessed an exceptional weather event this weekend as towns were enveloped by the heaviest snow in decades. The wild weather resulted in floods, stranded vehicles, and power outages impacting thousands of homes, according to authorities.

Miriam Bradbury, a meteorologist at Australia's weather bureau, noted that a cold air front deposited up to 40 cm (16 inches) of snow on parts of northern New South Wales on Saturday, marking the most substantial snowfall since the mid-1980s. Additionally, snow was reported in areas of Queensland for the first time in a decade.

Bradbury highlighted climate change's role in the increasing volatility of Australia's weather patterns, though she noted this type of event has historical precedent. However, she emphasized the unusual extent and coverage of the snowfall across the northern tablelands. Meanwhile, New South Wales authorities reported over 1,455 incidents, including stranded vehicles, building damages, and major flood warnings, leaving tens of thousands without power.

(With inputs from agencies.)