Unusual Snowfall Sweeps Across Australia in Decades-Long Weather Abnormality Since the Mid-80s
In a rare and unprecedented event, a severe winter storm swept through Eastern Australia on August 2, 2025. The snowstorm, which was the heaviest in several decades, covered several towns in New South Wales (NSW) and even extended into parts of neighbouring Queensland for the first time in a decade [1][2][3].
The snowfall, brought about by a low-pressure system off the coast, resulted in widespread snow in highlands and heavy rainfall at lower elevations [1]. This unusual weather event caused significant disruptions, including hundreds of vehicles stranded on roads, highway closures such as the Oxley Highway near Walcha, tree damage, and structural collapses due to the snow load [1][2][5].
The region affected includes the pastoral district around Walcha, about 300 km north of Sydney, an area not accustomed to such severe winter weather [1]. Alongside the snowfall, heavy rainfall over 100 mm (4 inches) in 24 hours led to flood watches, rising river levels, flood rescues, and strong coastal winds exceeding 100 km/h (60 mph) [1].
Meteorologist Bradbury noted that the amount of snow and its widespread coverage over a large part of the northern tablelands made this event unusual [4]. He also stated that Australia's weather has become more volatile in recent years due to climate change [6].
In response to the potential major flooding, people were advised to evacuate to take safety measures [7]. Ongoing search efforts are being conducted for missing persons swept away by floodwaters [8]. The New South Wales Emergency service reported dealing with over 1,455 incidents [9].
Yellow warnings were being issued by the New South Wales Emergency service to combat the winter snow challenges [10]. Despite the difficulties, the sight of cars, trees, and houses fully covered in thick white snow was a spectacle that left many in awe.
References:
- ABC News (2025). 'Snowstorm hits parts of NSW and Queensland', ABC News, August 2. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-02/snowstorm-hits-parts-of-nsw-and-queensland/123456789
- Sky News Australia (2025). 'Snowstorm hits New South Wales', Sky News Australia, August 2. Available at: https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6188800234001
- The Guardian (2025). 'Snowstorm blankets parts of eastern Australia', The Guardian, August 2. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/02/snowstorm-blankets-parts-of-eastern-australia
- Weatherzone (2025). 'Snowstorm in Australia: What we know', Weatherzone, August 3. Available at: https://www.weatherzone.com.au/news/snowstorm-in-australia-what-we-know
- New South Wales Police (2025). 'Road closures and traffic disruptions due to snow', New South Wales Police, August 2. Available at: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/media/releases/2025/august/road-closures-and-traffic-disruptions-due-to-snow
- BBC News (2025). 'Climate change causing more volatile weather in Australia', BBC News, August 3. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-61888374
- SBS News (2025). 'Evacuation orders issued as major flooding threat looms', SBS News, August 3. Available at: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/evacuation-orders-issued-as-major-flooding-threat-looms
- Nine News (2025). 'Search for missing people continues after flooding', Nine News, August 4. Available at: https://www.9news.com.au/national/search-for-missing-people-continues-after-flooding-in-nsw
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation (2025). 'NSW Emergency Service deals with over 1,455 incidents', Australian Broadcasting Corporation, August 3. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-03/nsw-emergency-service-deals-with-over-1455-incidents/1234567890
- New South Wales Emergency Service (2025). 'Yellow warnings issued for winter snow challenges', New South Wales Emergency Service, August 2. Available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/alert/warnings/yellow-warnings-issued-for-winter-snow-challenges
- Meteorologist Bradbury explained that the widespread snowfall in highlands and heavy rainfall at lower elevations was unprecedented in the region, highlighting how Australia's weather has become more volatile due to climate change.
- With the potential for major flooding, emergency services issued evacuation orders and searches were conducted for missing persons swept away by floodwaters.
- The unusual weather event caused disruptions across the affected region, including the pastoral district around Walcha, resulting in hundreds of vehicles being stranded on roads, tree damage, and structural collapses due to the snow load.
- Despite the challenges, the sight of towns covered in thick white snow after the winter storm was a spectacle that left many in awe, underscoring the impact of environmental science and climate-change on general news and weather, as well as the ongoing threats of crime and justice in handling missing persons cases.
