Wild weather forecast for almost half of Australia with severe thunderstorms and possible flash flooding

Bureau of Meteorology expects damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall' to strike large areas of the country, particularly in the west and south-east

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Wild weather is on the way for almost half the country as severe thunderstorms are forecast to cause property damage and possible flash flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology's Miriam Bradbury said damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall" were expected to strike large parts of Australia - particularly the west and south-east.