The floods of February 1955 in New South Wales

During the last few days of February, 1955, torrential rain of tropical origin caused record flooding of the Hunter River, and of all inland streams in New South Wales from the Bogan to the Gwydir, Serious loss of life and damage amounting to many millions of pounds resulted from the floods. The meteorological situation was remarkable for the penetration so far southward of a deep stream of nearly saturated equatorial air, resulting in rains of oo unprecedented intensity-for Inland areas of New South Wales. This report analyses the synoptic situation prior to and during the flood rains, examines the rainfall distribution and intensity, and describes the resulting floods and damage. Conclusions are drawn as to whether oa greator flood would be possible in the basins of the Hunter and Macquarie Rivers.