Deadly downpour triggers severe flooding in Queensland, Australia
Severe flooding lashed Queensland's southeast following heavy rains over the weekend, resulting in at least four fatalities. Up to 153 mm (6 inches) of rain fell in a 24-hour period to 23:00 UTC on Monday (09:00 LT on Tuesday, April 6), according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
Heavy downpours triggered a mass Easter rush across southeast Queensland, resulting in flooding and four fatalities, according to 9 News. Among the victims was a 55-year-old man from the Gold Coast who crashed his vehicle after rains created slippery road conditions.
Severe weather began Friday, April 2, with the first fatality occurring south of Cairns. On Monday, April 5, a crash on the Sunshine Coast killed a 68-year-old woman.
According to BOM forecaster Matt Marshall, southeast Queensland had persistent rains overnight into Tuesday morning (LT), April 6. The heaviest rainfalls overnight occurred in the area, with up to 153 mm (6 inches) recorded at Maleny.
"We are seeing multiple roads impacted by flash flooding around the Sunshine Coast – Beerwah, Peachester Glass House Mountains just a few places. If It’s Flooded, Forget It," said the Queensland Police.
Cars have been caught in floodwaters at Peachester after the region was battered by heavy rain last night. Parts of the hinterland recorded more than 150 millimetres of rain in just 24 hours, inundating roads. Pics: Mark Lucas. https://t.co/dSgFbiE9NM #qldweather #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/7WxaOHKsGb
— 7NEWS Sunshine Coast (@7NewsSC) April 6, 2021
Roads in Byfield National Park remain closed tonight, after the coast's second flash flooding event in under a month. The SES is urging travellers to proceed with caution, after 11 people became stranded by flood waters. https://t.co/PNrJc2LX5T @islastanich #qldweather #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/ijoU6SzDrD
— 7NEWS Central Queensland (@7NewsCQ) April 6, 2021
South-east Queensland has been smashed by severe storms with intense rain leading to flash flooding in some areas – and there's more on the way. pic.twitter.com/qH3Bj8z0Ja
— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) April 4, 2021
Flooded roads included Mott Street at Brendale, Moore Road at Kurwongbah, Buchanan Road and Leda Boulevard, and William Berry Drive at Morayfield.
Beaches on the coast were closed, with a hazardous surf warning issued for exposed coastal waters, from Fraser Island to the New South Wales border.
At Larapinta, flash flooding closed Paradise Road in both directions between Gardens Road and Radius Drive.
Heavy rains also caused the Nindooinbah and Cedar Pocket dams to spill excess water, while Seqwater warned residents nearby to avoid downstream of dams, including those at Enoggera, Hinze, and Wyaralong
"We will probably still see rainfall totals pick up throughout today and tomorrow, but we hope to see a bit of sunshine poking through by Wednesday afternoon," added Marshall.
We were told it would rain but few expected this; floodwaters lapping homes, covering roads, and washing away cars. @heinkealex #9News pic.twitter.com/5TBpbFACdd
— 9News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) April 6, 2021
Still seeing #rainfall in some areas today, after the dumping which saw 60-80mm falls around Bris & the Gold Coast in the 24hrs to 9am, 80-100mm on the Sunshine Coast & 150mm at Maleny. #Surf remains hazardous for Fraser Island, Sunshine & Gold Coasts https://t.co/mTR3eerMhg pic.twitter.com/0LlpoHgLJu
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) April 6, 2021
Featured image credit: Mark Lucas
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