Australia: Extreme weather in pictures

Following months of severe drought, parts of eastern Australia have been hit by flooding and hailstorms after dust storms swept though drought-stricken areas.

A dust storm hits Mullengudgery in New South Wales.

Storm clouds gather over Sydney Harbour.

Heavy rain falls on drought-hit areas in New South Wales such as Tamworth, leading to flooding in some areas.

In Sydney, streets have been flooded.

At the Australian Reptile Park in Somersby, north of Sydney, a staff member carries koalas during a flash flood.

Meanwhile, the capital Canberra faced a hailstorm.

Giant hail fell outside Parliament House in Canberra.

It was the size of golf balls.

The ice melted quickly after the storm.

The aftermath left broken windows and left some cars with minor damage to windscreens and bodywork.

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