Several cities across eastern Australia woke up blanketed in snow, with snowfall exceeding 50 centimeters in some regions. The severe weather system that swept through the area over the weekend has triggered flash floods, stranded vehicles, and left thousands of homes without electricity, according to emergency authorities.

Although weather conditions have improved today, meteorologists had forecasted up to half a meter of snow in certain areas on Sunday. Meanwhile, some regions were expected to receive over 10 centimeters of rainfall, according to the New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES).

The SES reported responding to more than 1,455 incidents, with over 100 vehicles trapped by snow. Storm activity also caused structural damage to buildings, prompting the agency to issue several major flood warnings.

Tens of thousands of homes were left without power overnight, national broadcaster ABC reported.

In the northwest of New England, New South Wales, the snowfall was the heaviest recorded in two decades, ABC said. Meanwhile, neighboring Queensland experienced its first snowfall in a decade, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Authorities continue to monitor conditions, urging residents to remain cautious as cleanup efforts begin and recovery operations are underway.