Town struck by flash flooding after sudden deluge
A regional Queensland town has been hit by flooding from severe thunderstorms, with the state bracing for more wet weather.
The storms struck on Wednesday night with some areas reporting rainfall totals of close to 100 millimetres in just an hour.
Lesdale, 700 kilomtres west of Brisbane, had 92 millimetres while nearby Charleville was soaked by 68 millimetres.
The Bradley’s Gully diversion has helped protect Charleville.
A minor flood warning was issued for the Warrego River at Charleville after the sudden downpour.
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Murweh Shire Mayor Shaun Radnedge said despite the heavy rain the levy bank and gully diversion were moving water to where it was supposed to be.
“The structure is keeping the town safe,” he said.
However, the sudden downpour did cause some flooding in the area.
“Our drainage system did have trouble handling that sort of water,” Radnedge said.
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“But at this point in time… we’re high and dry and we’re appreciative to have that mitigation in place.”
Thunderstorms are forecast to hit inland and central Queensland, with heavy rainfall possible in the northern interior east of Richmond and north of Longreach on Thursday afternoon.
The Bureau of Meteorology said up to 60 millimetres was expected.
Queensland’s central coast had been preparing for a growing trough that was set to bring up to 200 millimetres of rain between Rockhampton and Mackay.
Mackay had 70 millimetres of rain in 24 hours on Wednesday, but the bureau cancelled its severe weather warning on Thursday morning.
“The coastal trough has moved offshore and is expected to continue tracking north away from the central coast, with the heavy rainfall risk now easing through the region,” it said.
The bureau said the immediate threat of severe weather had passed, but the situation would continue to be monitored and further warnings issued if necessary.
