Grim summer warning issued

AUSTRALIANS are being urged to put safety at the top of their list of things to do this summer, with wild weather forecast to cause havoc across the festive season.

Emergency services organisations are gearing up for a busy summer and are warning that people should have a plan in place in the event they are caught out by a natural disaster.

It comes as the Bureau of Meteorology released its longrange forecast for summer, stating it was likely to be wetter along coastal NSW, most of Victoria, South Australia, large parts of Queensland, as well as northern and eastern Tasmania.

NSW State Emergency Service Commissioner Carlene York said that with many roads flooded and properties isolated, it was important for people to take extra care.

The bureau warned any significant rainfall could lead to flooding where rivers were already high, dams were full and catchments were wet.

“Above-average rainfall also increases the risk of landslides and tree falls in areas of steep terrain and very wet soils,” the bureau said.

But it’s not just the rain residents need to be aware of this summer, with Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter warning families needed to remain vigilant regardless of how they spend their holidays.

“Whether it’s planning for any potential bushfire danger in your area or something as simple as putting up lights on your Christmas tree, please keep safety in mind,” Commissioner Baxter said.

Overall, the weather bureau warns there is an increased risk this summer of:

Prolonged heatwaves with higher humidity in southern areas;

Above average tropical cyclones and tropical lows;

Coastal flooding in the east and north.