Australia's two most populous states prepare for heavy rainfall

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Australia's two most populous states prepare for heavy rainfall

SYDNEY - Australia's two most populous states are preparing for heavy rainfall over the weekend as authorities on Friday October 7 urged residents in flood-prone regions to avoid unnecessary travel.

The Bureau of Meteorology warned of the possibility of widespread rainfall over eastern New South Wales NSW and northern Victoria starting late Friday, as well as widespread rainfall over eastern New South Wales and northern Victoria. Some areas could receive up to 100 mm of rainfall, about a quarter of Australia's annual average rainfall.

Dean Storey, emergency services assistant commissioner for NSW, told ABC television that it was a very worrying couple of days ahead.

Many rural NSW towns are already inundated with television footage showing residents moving livestock on boats. Emergency crews said that sandbags are being offered to help protect property.

Parts of Queensland and Tasmania are likely to be affected by the wild weather system before it can be cleared on Monday.