Flash flooding on Australia's southeast coast has killed three people and cut off towns, isolating tens of thousands of residents, as officials on Thursday warned more downpours were expected over the next 24 hours.

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Torrential rain pummelled Australia's southeast on Thursday, triggering flash flooding and forcing officials to issue fresh evacuation orders, while 50,000 residents were warned to prepare to isolate with more downpours expected over the next 24 hours.

Heavy rain batters southeast Australia, flooding towns and prompting evacuation orders:: Taree, north of Sydney, is among the hardest hit towns as floods destroy farms, homes and roads:: Port Macquarie,