Storms and giant hail forecast for eastern Australia, raising risk in some flood-hit areas

A tractor navigates a flooded road east of Echuca. Storms and possible hail have been forecast for much of eastern Australia. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

Rain, thunderstorms and giant hail are forecast for much of the east coast, raising the risk of flash-flooding in areas already reeling from extreme weather.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of showers and thunderstorms from northern Queensland, down through New South Wales and into northern Victoria and eastern South Australia into the weekend.