Warm, wet spring could bring severe storms to Australia's south-east

New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia are being warned to prepare for a "triple threat" of severe storms, flooding and coastal erosion this spring.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for the south-east of the country, with heavy rain, damaging winds and large hail all possible.

The BOM said the combination of a warm, wet spring and a La Niña weather pattern could lead to a "triple threat" of severe weather events.

The La Niña pattern is characterized by cooler than average ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

This can lead to increased rainfall over eastern Australia, as well as more frequent and intense storms.

The BOM said the most likely time for severe storms in the south-east is during October and November.

However, the bureau warned that severe storms could occur at any time during the spring and summer months.

The BOM is urging people in the south-east to be prepared for severe weather events.

This includes having an emergency plan in place, knowing what to do in the event of a storm, and having an emergency kit ready.

The BOM also recommends that people stay informed about weather warnings and forecasts.

More information on how to prepare for severe weather events is available on the BOM website.