The following update has been provided to AUSVEG by the Bureau of Meteorology.

Widespread and heavy rainfall, with possible localised flash flooding, is expected along over the growing regions in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Strong winds are also likely in parts of South Australia.

Some areas are forecast to receive more than 100mm between 11 to 18 December 2018.

The computer-modelled eight-day rainfall totals, available through the Bureau of Meteorology website, illustrate the extent of the rainfall and how widespread it is likely to be.

Growers north of the New South Wales border are advised to refer to the Bureau of Meteorology Tropical Cyclone warnings and follow advice from emergency services.

A combination of weather systems will occur in the next week that will produce widespread rainfall and some local heavy falls.

In particular, a tropical cyclone in the Gulf of Carpentaria is expected to develop and turn back along the Queensland coast and at the same time a complex low pressure system will form over southeast Australia. This will bring tropical moisture south, producing the potential for heavy rainfall, local thunderstorms and localised flash flooding.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 11 December 2018. Subscribe to the Update using our online form to receive the latest industry news in your inbox every week!