Flood warning on Mary River after 390mm falls in coast hinterland
Minor flooding of the Mary River downstream of Gympie is expected today as it heads towards its expected peak following a weekend of heavy rain in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
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The Mary River was 7.3m and rising at Gympie on Tuesday morning as minor flooding was expected to occur downstream of Gympie at Miva and Tiaro.
The Bureau of Meteorology said at 9.30am no current river level observations were available for the Mary River at Dagun Pocket but the river level was estimated to be nearing a peak above the minor flood level (7m) Tuesday morning and could fall below the minor flood level late Tuesday.
“The Mary River at Gympie is currently at 7.31m and rising, above the minor flood level (6m),” it said.
“The Mary River at Gympie is expected to reach around 7.8m Tuesday afternoon.”
The river at Miva was 5.52m and rising at 9.30am, below the minor flood level (7.5m). It was expected to continue rising during Tuesday and to possibly reach the minor flood level (7.5m) during Wednesday, as upstream floodwaters arrive.
The Mary River at Tiaro was at 4.89m and rising at 9.30am, below the minor flood level.
“The Mary River at Tiaro is likely to exceed the minor flood level (6m) from Tuesday afternoon, as upstream floodwaters arrive,” the BoM said.
A minor flood warning on the Mary River was issued by the Bureau of Meteorology on Monday after 390mm of rain fell in the Sunshine Coast hinterland on Sunday and Sunday night, including moderate to heavy rainfall in the river catchment.
The Bom said this had resulted in river and creek level rises throughout the upper parts of the catchment, with further moderate to locally heavy rainfall throughout Monday over Gympie and in the catchment.
The situation is being monitored closely.
Some Sunshine Coast Council hinterland areas received more than 390mm of rain in 24 hours to 9am Monday.
Sunshine Coast Council Local Disaster Management Group Coordinator Bill Haddrill said intense rainfall was recorded over the Sunshine Coast Hinterland from Eumundi to Maleny.
“In the previous 24 hours Diamond Valley received the highest total of 393mm which is a significant amount of rain for this area,” Mr Haddrill said.
“Overnight (last 12 hours) we saw 303mm at Woombye, 296mm of rain recorded in Mooloolah Valley, 284mm in Palmwoods, 267mm in Nambour, 224mm in Maleny and 218mm for Yandina.
“There are flood warnings in place with the eastern side of the Hinterland experiencing localised flooding affecting Nambour, Palmwoods and Eudlo area particularly, with the potential for it to strengthen to moderate flood warnings.”
The Gympie region itself recorded an official rainfall of less than 20mm and up to 30mm in parts, thought further west Sexton had 72mm on Sunday and Sunday night, Miva 86mm and Munna Creek 67mm.
One Upper Widgee resident said they’d received 110mm overnight on Sunday night.
Rainfall to Monday 9am:
Maleny: 267mm
Conondale: 80mm
Gympie: 20-30mm
Boreen Point: 79mm
Brooyar: 63mm
Sexton: 72mm
Miva: 86mm
With rainfall of up to 90mm possible for the Gympie region on Monday, 100mm for Mapleton and 120mm for Maleny, the minor flood watch was issued.
“Currently there are 48 roads across our region that are impacted and we can expect more to be affected as conditions can change rapidly with more rain predicted for today.
“Driving during these conditions is extremely dangerous, even if they are familiar routes, and flooded roads can be deadly.
“Slow down, drive to the conditions, and always obey road closure signs.
“Remember, ‘if it’s flooded, forget it!’.
“We will continue to monitor the conditions today and provide updates on these areas of flooding.”
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