It's only the second day of September and some parts of the country have already seen close to double their average spring rainfall. A mass of cloud carrying heavy rain and storms is blanketing a large portion of eastern Australia today. River catchments are at risk of flooding in four states, while outback towns could become stranded due to floodwaters cutting off access by road. Some areas have already seen their heaviest September rain on record during this event. South Australia's Coober Pedy received 61mm during the 24 hours to 9am today, a new record for this time of year and close to double the long-term average for all of spring. More than 1000km away to the northwest, Mount Isa picked up 20mm in a six-hour period this morning. This is three times the mining town's monthly average makes this already their wettest September in 19 years. In New South Wales, Coonabarabran collected 71mm in under 20 hours, their heaviest rain in over a century for this time of year. Further west, Bourke had 45mm, their heaviest September rain in 70 years. Looking ahead, the rain-bearing system will spread across central and southern Queensland today before clearing inland areas and reaching the southeast and central east from tonight. Flood watches and warnings are in place for western and central/southern inland parts of the state. Drier weather will return tomorrow. Rain will spread over all districts in New South Wales during the next 12 hours, before gradually clearing from the west tonight and the east tomorrow morning. The heaviest falls are likely on and west of the ranges, with flood watches and warnings in place for many inland rivers valleys. Showers will be lighter and mainly confined to the slopes and ranges on Saturday, before clearing most areas by the afternoon. The rain will turn up in eastern and northeast Victoria this afternoon, becoming heavier overnight. Flood watches and warnings are in place for riverine flooding in these areas and a severe weather warning for flash flooding has been issued east of a line from about Sale to Beechworth. Rain will clear tomorrow in the late morning and afternoon. Warnings will continue to be updated through the remainder of this event at: http://www.weatherzone.com.au/warnings.jsp