A powerful winter system brought rare snowfall to parts of southern Queensland and blanketed New South Wales’ Northern Tablelands on Saturday, triggering widespread disruption and dangerous conditions. Towns like Dalveen, near Stanthorpe, recorded snow around 4pm — an unusual sight in Queensland’s subtropical climate.
In New South Wales, up to 100 vehicles were reported stranded on major roads including the New England Highway and Waterfall Way. The State Emergency Service (SES) described snow depths as “never seen before” in parts of the region. Snowfalls reached up to 50 cm in Guyra, with significant accumulations also reported in Uralla and Armidale.
Massive snowfall in Armidale, Northern Tablelands, New South Wales, Australia 🇦🇺 (02.08.2025) pic.twitter.com/qWuOehjlwE
— Disaster News (@Top_Disaster) August 2, 2025
The intense weather system, powered by a cold upper-level low, also brought heavy rainfall to the Coffs Coast, Mid North Coast, Upper Hunter, and New England. Rain totals between 65 mm and 130 mm (2.6–5.1 inches) were recorded, along with moderate flooding on the Peel and Namoi Rivers. Damaging winds over 90 km/h and powerful surf added to the hazards.
The SES deployed over 1,000 volunteers and responded to 750 calls for assistance. Officials warned of black ice across the Northern Tablelands and urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, with emergency crews standing by for rescues.
With snow already melting by nightfall and weather conditions shifting, the brief wintry spectacle is rapidly giving way to rising rivers and continued rainfall across the region.
