UPDATE: Severe thunderstorms are wreaking havoc across eastern Australia, with communities in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland facing immediate threats from hailstones, heavy rain, and destructive winds. The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed that wild weather will continue to impact the region today, with meteorologist Angus Hines warning of damaging gusts and significant rainfall.
Severe storms are expected from Port Macquarie northwards into much of eastern and central Queensland today, November 5, 2023. “Where these storms develop, they could bring some pretty significant weather impacts with them,” Hines stated. As conditions worsen, communities may experience power outages, travel delays, flash flooding, and damage to homes and vehicles.
The situation has already escalated in recent days. Just yesterday, intense thunderstorms struck southeast Queensland, resulting in over 50mm of rain in just 30 minutes at multiple locations west of Brisbane. By 9 PM on Saturday, nearly 3,000 properties were reported without power according to Energex.
In a chilling reminder of the storm’s ferocity, giant hailstones up to 9 cm wide caused extensive damage earlier this month, injuring nine individuals and prompting hospital visits. The small town of Silverspur saw hail as large as 7 cm, and social media reports from Higgins Storm Chasing showcased flash flooding and fallen trees in the Scenic Rim Region and near Coffs Harbour, NSW.
Residents are urged to prepare for potential evacuations as the storms are set to persist. The Bureau of Meteorology advises vigilance, noting that similar weather patterns have caused significant disruption in recent weeks.
As the storms develop, stay tuned for updates. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and more severe weather alerts may be issued throughout the day. Share this information to keep your community informed and safe.
