Sydney braces for flash floods as rain disaster moves south

Sydney is preparing for dangerous flash flooding as population centers farther north begin a massive cleanup operation

SYDNEY -- Sydney was preparing on Wednesday for dangerous flash flooding as population centers farther north began a massive cleanup operation after record floods that have claimed at least 13 lives along Australia’s east coast in recent days.

The torrential rain — as much as 20 centimeters (8 inches) — is forecast for Australia’s largest city and surrounding areas late Wednesday and early Thursday, Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said.

“In the Sydney area, we have minor to major flood warnings current,” meteorologist Dean Narramore said.

In the New South Wales town of Lismore, 600 kilometers (370 miles) north of Sydney, a third death was confirmed on Wednesday as floodwaters recede. A man's body was found floating in a main street, a police statement said.