Australia's east coast was battered by torrential rain and high winds today, causing widespread flooding and damage, and leaving up to 26,000 homes without power.

Residents from towns along the coast of New South Wales state were evacuated as floodwaters rose.

The number of homes without power is expected to rise.

Wild weather was expected to continue throughout the day and flood warnings remained in place for towns along the east coast.

Australia is prone to extreme weather events such as flooding, tropical cyclones and bushfires.

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