INTERNATIONAL: Two Australian states were submerged in floodwater on Wednesday (March 2), as tens of thousands of residents fled from their homes with torrential rains battering the country's east coast.

Aerial footage showed communities inundated in Queensland state. Submerged vehicles and furniture floating down the streets were also seen.

Thirteen people have been killed, the latest four deaths recorded in the worst-hit town of Lismore in New South Wales state, since the extreme weather arrived late last week, submerging town centers, washing away homes, and cutting power lines. More deaths were expected as police check houses as waters recede.

State Premier of NSW Dominic Perrottet, who flew over the flooded towns on Wednesday, urged people in Sydney to evacuate if they are given the order by emergency crews. The wild storm cell has been making its way down from Queensland state, into neighboring New South Wales, and rivers in Sydney were expected to start peaking on Wednesday evening.