Bucketloads of rain for Bundaberg
A SEVERE storm that may hit the Gold Coast today has lashed southeast Queensland’s Wide Bay coast leaving flooded roads, fallen trees and downed powerlines in its wake.
More than 310mm of rain fell in Bundaberg, including 75mm in one hour yesterday afternoon. The heavy rain caused flooding in low-lying areas and left large amounts of surface water on the roads, creating havoc for motorists.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Service crews received more than 90 calls for assistance as swirling wind gusts downed powerlines and ripped roofs off houses.
SES volunteers helped people with minor house flooding and other damage as more than 5000 homes lost power.
One Bundaberg woman said the wind gusts looked like a “mini tornado” and caused significant damage to her home.
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Michelle Berry said the severe conditions were the result of two weather systems intersecting.
“An upper-level trough over the interior of Queensland created a lot of deep moisture and instability,” Ms Berry said.
“Combined with a coastal surface trough over the Wide Bay area (it was) an additional trigger for the storm.”