Fallen trees, lost power and one dead after wild Christmas weather

New South Wales

Severe weather brought giant hail, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding across large parts of the state, including in the Central West, Riverina, South Coast, Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter.

More than 1100 volunteers were on hand as the SES responded to 312 incidents on Christmas Day and 492 incidents on Christmas Eve.

Residents at Grenfell were treated to a "White Christmas," as hail covered the town shortly after midday.

NSW SES assistant commissioner Sean Kearns said 41 incidents were reported in the small town.

"There was damage to properties including broken skylights, parts of roofs, broken windows, and damaged vehicles," Assistant Commissioner Kearns said.

Hail also fell in Orange, Yass, and across the coast, as far north as Urbenville and Macksville.

Meanwhile, intense heavy rainfall was received in southeastern parts of NSW.

At Eurobodalla, 156mm of rain was received in three hours, resulting in flooding of local roads, and inundation of some properties.

NSW SES crews were responded to flood rescues at Albion Park, Kiama, Laggan (in the Southern Tablelands) and Bemboka (near Bega).

Volatile weather conditions are expected to continue for the next 24-48 hours.

Assistant commissioner Kearns said the NSW SES remains on high alert and is prepared to respond promptly to emerging situations.

"We're particularly aware at this time of the year a lot of people undertake Christmas travel plans to be with their friends and family, however, we ask the public to be mindful of the ongoing severe weather," he said.

"Roads may be hazardous due to flash flooding, damage from recent rainfall and fallen debris, and reduced visibility."

Travellers are strongly advised to stay informed about current conditions, exercise caution, and consider delaying travel if conditions worsen."

Queensland

A Queensland woman in her 50s died after being struck by a tree at Helensvale on the Gold Coast following severe weather conditions in the state.

Other weather related injuries included a man in his 90s who received a head injury after a ceiling collapsed at a private residence on Wandilla Drive.

Queensland Ambulance service responded to a number of injuries caused by falling trees including at a private residence in Richlands after a tree fell onto a house and powerlines.

A total of sixteen people were evacuated from the residence with two patients sustaining head injuries.

The State Emergency Service (SES) responded to 220 jobs in Queensland.

15,000 homes in the state are without power after winds brought down trees on the Gold Coast, Logan and the Scenic Rim.

Victoria

The SES responded to 499 requests for assistance in the 24 hours from 9am Christmas Day.

SES Victoria said it was called across most of Regional Victoria largely for:

There were thunderstorms across the state, particularly in northern Victoria resulting in heavy rainfall, large hail and damaging wind gusts.

The SES has advised residents to avoid flooded and low-lying areas as floodwater can be very deep, rise quickly and move fast.

Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads, the SES said.