Torrential rains hit Australia

TORRENTIAL rains across eastern Australia have left towns flooded while the state of Tasmania has been hit by an unusual flurry of summer snow.

In Queensland, up to 11 inches of rain fell in a 24-hour period in some areas, flooding roads and stranding travellers.

In New South Wales, the State Emergency Service says a dozen people were evacuated from flooded homes and businesses in the town of Eugowra, 305km west of Sydney.