Millions Warned as Queensland Faces Wettest December in Years
Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding threaten Queensland as millions brace for the wettest December in over a decade
Queensland, Australia, Flooding, Thunderstorms, Weather Warning
Brisbane: A big warning’s gone out to folks living on the east coast of Australia. Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding are on the way, and Queensland is set for its wettest December in years.
While that’s happening, the western parts of the country are dealing with a heatwave. People are being told to stay cool and take care of themselves.
Recently, Brisbane got hit with a heavy downpour, racking up 127mm of rain in just 12 hours. And guess what? More rain and storms are expected to roll in on Wednesday and stick around for a bit.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, this December could be the wettest since 2010. So far, the southeast has seen 301mm of rain, and there’s more on the way.
Areas like Ipswich, Brisbane City, and Moreton Bay faced a storm on Tuesday, leading to flooding and road closures. The State Emergency Service got nearly 80 calls for help just on Monday.
Almost 20 dams in the southeast were overflowing, with Wivenhoe Dam releasing water for the first time in two years.
Looking ahead, the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting severe thunderstorms with heavy rain for eastern districts. They’re warning that this could be as bad as the catastrophic flooding from 2022.
There’s also a chance of a tropical low forming off Queensland, which could develop into a tropical cyclone. But it’s a low chance, and most models suggest it’ll stay weak.
Meanwhile, down in New South Wales, Sydney is sweltering through a heatwave, hitting 42C in some areas. Power outages affected over 2,500 people, but things should cool down soon.
As the heatwave continues, health officials are urging everyone to be cautious. It’s a hot time across the country, with parts of Western Australia expected to see temperatures soar into the high 40s this weekend.