Destructive winds hit Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney; schools closed

A severe weather event has impacted several regions in Australia, particularly New South Wales, where destructive winds have led to tragic consequences. A 63-year-old woman lost her life when a tree fell on the cabin she was staying in during the early hours of Monday. The winds are expected to intensify along the east coast, prompting warnings from meteorologists about the potential for further damage and danger. In addition to the wind warnings, the NSW Rural Fire Service has issued alerts for high fire danger in Greater Sydney and extreme fire danger in the Illawarra region. Residents in these areas are advised to implement their bushfire survival plans as conditions remain precarious. The combination of strong winds and dry conditions raises concerns about the risk of bushfires spreading rapidly. Flooding is also a significant concern, particularly in the River Derwent area, where levels are anticipated to exceed the major flood threshold of 7.3 meters. This situation is compounded by the ongoing weather disturbances, which have led to school closures and advisories for residents to work from home and limit travel. As the weather system progresses, temperatures are expected to vary across different cities, with Sydney reaching highs of 25°C and Melbourne experiencing cooler temperatures. The forecast indicates a mix of sunny and windy conditions in the coming days, highlighting the need for continued vigilance among residents in affected areas.