Storm warnings for Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane as cold front ‘packs a punch’

BoM predicts hail, damaging winds and possible flash flooding across Victoria, NSW and parts of Queensland into Sunday

Storm warnings are in place for multiple capital cities across Australia’s east and south-east as a severe weather front sweeps across the country.

Heavy rain, winds and thunderstorms are forecast to hit Melbourne and eastern Victoria throughout Saturday afternoon as a cold front meets warm, humid air.

The storm front is then expected to travel further east, impacting Canberra and inland NSW before reaching the east coast on Sunday, stretching as far as southern Queensland.

The Bureau of Meteorology warned of possible flash flooding in some areas and potentially destructive winds of over 125km/h that could bring down large trees or damage property.