Flash flooding on Australia's southeast coast has killed three people and cut off towns, isolating tens of thousands of residents, as officials on Thursday warned more downpours were expected over the next 24 hours.

Rain continues to fall on the NSW mid north coast where thousands of people are cut off by water and dozens have needed rescuing from rooftops. Taree and Coffs Harbour are among the most impacted towns where insurers can expect significant claims numbers.

A natural disaster has been declared in Australia after unprecedented floods in New South Wales. Police say there are "grave fears" for three others who are missing - including a 60-year-old woman and two men aged 25 and 49.

By Renju Jose SYDNEY (Reuters) -Torrential rain pummelled Australia's southeast on Thursday, triggering flash flooding and forcing officials to issue fresh evacuation orders, while 50,000 residents were warned to prepare to isolate with more downpours expected over the next 24 hours.

Swathes of South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia are in the grip of drought as they experience some of the lowest rainfall totals on record.

Flash flooding on Australia's southeast coast has killed three people and cut off towns, isolating tens of thousands of residents, as officials on

Torrential rain pummelled Australia's southeast on Thursday (May 22), triggering flash flooding and forcing officials to issue fresh evacuation orders, while 50,000 residents were warned to prepare to isolate with more downpours expected over the next 24 hours.

Growers in the dry half of NSW are hoping for up to 30mm of rain in coming days to get their crops up and away in the ideal window...Read More