Storms to hit most states as Sydney sets 164-year rainfall record

Rain gauge topped 2 metres for year on Friday in NSW capital - the earliest date on record, while week of wet weather forecast for large parts of country

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Thunderstorms could affect parts of every Australian state except Western Australia in the next 24 hours with forecasters expecting a wet week for large parts of the country.

Only minor flooding is predicted, but the rain will keep catchments saturated ahead of a spring expected to see a third La Nina in a row, increasing the risk of above-average rainfall.

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