Disaster Alert: The Areas at Higher Risk of Flood, Fire

Country Fire Authority (CFA) staff monitor a giant fire raging in the Bunyip State Park, some 125 kilometres west of Melbourne, Australia on Feb. 7, 2009. William West/AFP via Getty Images

Communities across Australia are being warned to brace for damaging floods and fires as the severe weather season bears down on the continent.

Persistent heat and more heavy rain over already sodden catchments are expected to test emergency management teams during spring and summer.