Bundaberg records highest November rainfall since 1934 amid La Niña
Bundaberg has recorded its wettest November in almost a century as dams across the Wide Bay spill over, keeping flood watch warnings and road closures in place. SEE UPDATES AND FORECAST HERE.
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After days of pouring rain, a reprieve is on the way for the Bundaberg region residents.
The rain system dominating the region’s weather for the past week has cleared for now, but meteorologists have warned even the smallest amount of rain could now cause rivers to flood.
On Wednesday, the Rum City recorded about 30mm of rain, with areas between Howard and Childers recording double that, with totals between 60-70mm.
The recent downpours have been record breakers, with Bundaberg copping its wettest November since 1934.
The developing La Niña has been one of the main drivers for the wetter-than-average conditions across much of east coast of Australia.
Bureau of Meteorology spokesman Livio Regano said on Thursday the Burnett River in Bundaberg was well below the minor flood level of about 4m.
He said the river was a tidal body of water that rose and fell often, but with water flowing in from swollen creeks it was steadily rising.
Mr Regano said further inland at the Ned Churchward Weir, the Burnett River was at a moderate flood level of about 22m.
Paradise Dam continued spilling water with levels sitting at 122.41 per cent on Thursday morning.
Paradise Dam’s Emergency Action Plan was activated on Monday.
The rainfall has also caused a number of road closures with Kalpowar Rd, Bucca Crossing Rd, Cedars Rd, Goodwood Rd at Elliott and Kinkuna.
On Wednesday night flood levels peaked in the Burrum, Cherwell and Isis catchments and were easing on Thursday.
River levels are continuing to rise along the Gregory and Elliott Rivers, with minor flooding along the Elliot River at Dr Mays Crossing approaching the moderate flood level of 2m.
While most residents in the Bundaberg region haven’t been impacted by localised or flash flooding, it was a different story for those situated in the northern suburbs.
Early this week, modern technology flew to the rescue to deliver an essential service to locals stranded by local flooding.
A drone, flown by pilots at OzTech was used to deliver Meals on Wheels services.
It came after the region was inundated with heavy rainfall on Friday, November 28, with a record overnight total of 192mm in Bundaberg.
“It eased the long-term drought after having missed out on La Niña-driven rains last summer, however, some long-term deficiencies remain,” a Bureau spokesperson said.
Despite all this, it is expected that the Bundaberg region and Wide Bay Burnett will experience a drier start to summer.
On Wednesday, Tinana Creek, which flows into the Mary River via the Teddington Weir was 0.37m and rising.
Flood watches for a number of catchments in the Wide Bay-Burnett remained in place.
“Conditions are expected to ease from Thursday onwards, but the possibility of showers and thunderstorms remains for the coming week,” the BoM said.
For flood emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
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