Severe storm hits Bundaberg, breaks monthly rainfall record in one day, Australia

A severe storm hit the city of Bundaberg in Australia's Queensland on October 2, 2017, resulting in the all-time rainfall record for the month, severe flash flooding, thousands of people without power and a possible tornado.

After many weeks of dry, hot conditions the rainfall may provide some welcome relief, however, communities in the warning zone are urged to take care as this heavy rainfall has the potential for flash flooding, BOM Queensland said October 1. 

"On Monday, October 1, thunderstorms embedded in the rainband may be severe. On Tuesday, the trough system will move into the Coral Sea, with showers likely along the coast in the wake of the heavier rainfall. This cooler airmass and cloud cover to the southwest of the trough will see temperatures fall to well below average," the bureau said.

The city of Bundaberg recorded 286 mm (11.26 inches) in the six hours to 18:30 local time with a total of 339 mm (13.35 inches) in 24 hours. The previous October record was 280 mm (11.02 inches). The city's mean rainfall, for the month of October, is 68.9 mm (2.71 inches).

In addition, more than 3 000 properties were without power in Bundaberg and significant flooding had taken hold across the city, the Brisbane Times reported.

Emergency services in the area had responded to more than 90 calls for help by the early evening, including roof damage, minor house flooding and fallen power lines.

Meanwhile, Woodgate, north-west of Hervey Bay, saw 178 mm (7 inches) fall in three hours and Moorland, north-west of Bundaberg, saw 141 mm (5.55 inches) in the six hours to 15:45 local time.

There were also reports that some form of a tornado had swept through Bundaberg, with images showing significant damage posted on social media. 

Violent winds tore up fences and damaged roofs. Several trees and power lines are down in the area, according to 7 News.

Teo Blašković

I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.

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