Large hailstones and dangerous winds will batter several eastern states, as storms move over the region.

Showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds are predicted from southern Queensland to Tasmania starting this afternoon, driven by a cold front moving across the Great Australian Bight.

The weather may also affect parts of central Australia and the northern parts of South Australia. 

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather alerts for damaging winds in southern NSW, parts of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, and southern Tasmania.

Gusts will average between 55km/h and reach a peak of 100km/h.

“They’re really, really strong winds that can bring down trees and cause damage,” Senior Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said.

Gusts of up to 80km/h were already recorded at Melbourne Airport today, and up to 100km/h in Hobart overnight. 

As showers and winds make their way through the east, there is also a risk of hailstones.

Bradbury said large hail about 2cm to 4cm in size could hit parts of northern NSW and south-east and inland Queensland this afternoon.

“As soon as we see some storms developing that could produce that large hail, we will issue warnings for them,” she said.

People in these areas are advised to minimize travel and avoid hazardous conditions, secure any loose items at home, and keep vehicles away from trees.

They are also advised to stay indoors and away from windows.

The cold front is expected to move offshore towards the Tasman Sea by tomorrow, although storm risks and potential flash flooding remain a concern for north-east NSW and south-east Queensland.

“Brisbane might experience some storms tomorrow, but severe storms are more likely in southern inland Queensland, moving towards the mid-north coast,” Bradbury mentioned.

“Severe storms tomorrow could bring damaging wind gusts and large hail, along with the possibility of heavy local rain leading to flash flooding.”

The combined weather impacts could bring down trees, impacting transport and power.

“We could see damage to trees and property as the strong winds or hail move through,” Bradbury said.

“We could also see some disruptions to transport and utilities through our cities, as the strong winds potentially cause some damage.”