439.4mm: Queensland weather system breaks records after man found dead in creek
An unusual atmospheric pattern drove heavy storms across the state, resulting in one fatality and multiple rescues.
By Kenji Garnier ·
Queensland police declared a man dead on Monday after emergency services located him unresponsive in Smothering Creek at Boompa. The incident occurred shortly after 11:00 am on Boompa Road. An investigation has begun, and authorities will prepare a report for the coroner.
The death occurred while an unusual weather system delivered repeated storms and heavy rain to the state. Meteorologist Angus Hines described the pattern as atypical. He noted that widespread rain bands, heavy cloud cover, and cooler temperatures were driven by conditions in the higher parts of the atmosphere.
Torrential rain fell across Queensland from Thursday to Monday. The heaviest four-day totals were recorded in the Blackdown Tableland near Rockhampton, which received 439.4mm. Lower Springbrook near the Gold Coast recorded 325.2mm, and Nambour near the Sunshine Coast received 314.2mm. Brooweena, located inland of K'gari, recorded 299.6mm.
Six campers were rescued from a public campground in Leyburn within the Southern Downs region. Flood waters had left the group stranded. Queensland Fire and Rescue Swiftwater crews responded to a call for help at 7:45 am on Monday. By 11:15 am, the team had brought the three men, aged 71, 47, and 26, and two women, aged 68 and 26, to safety. Police reported no physical injuries.
Flash flooding closed some roads at Laidley Creek and Glenore Grove in the Lockyer Valley. Flood warnings remain active for Warrill Creek, the Bremer River, the Macintyre River, the Moonie River, and the Mary River. Western Queensland also remains on alert for the Warrego, Bulloo, and Barcoo rivers.
On Sunday evening, thunderstorms linked southern Queensland to Bass Strait as a fast-moving system traveled east. Strong winds high in the atmosphere pushed the storm band across most states. Hines stated that the steering wind tapered off overnight over the Darling Downs.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that conditions will return to typical spring patterns as the week continues. Hot and humid days are expected to give way to more subdued afternoon showers and storms.
Source: The Guardian
