A warning has been issued for heavy rains, strong winds and flash floods for three states in the eastern region of Australia.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for the states of New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, with heavy rain, strong winds and flooding predicted for each state.
Bureau of Meteorology spokesman Jonathan Howe said there was a risk of thunderstorms from Melbourne across inland New South Wales.
Western parts of New South Wales as well as parts of the Australian capital have been warned of up to 80mm of rain and winds of up to 130km/h this morning.
The alert level is expected to be lowered in both states by this afternoon or evening.
People in the warning areas have been advised to reduce travel, stay away from downed power lines and stay indoors.
