Forecasters 'underestimated' snowfall

A Weatherzone meteorologist says models 'under-performed' when predicting snow for the Granite Belt.

MOMENT TO REMEMBER: Four generations seeing snow for the first time. Cavil, Christie, William and Karen Monement. Photo: Alex Nolan / Stanthorpe Border Post. Picture: Alex Nolan

A WEATHERZONE meteorologist said he was surprised to learn between 5cm and 7cm of snow fell in Stanthorpe in the early hours of this morning, with models originally predicting a possible 'light dusting.'

Meteorologist Guy Dixon said although Weatherzone models predicted the atmosphere would be cold enough for snow, they didn't predict the amount of precipitation that would join it.

"Pretty much all models underperformed in terms of precipitation levels for the Border Ranges and Granite Belt," Mr Dixon said.

"They were only showing the potential for a light dusting of snow. The east-coast low sitting off New South Wales contributed more moisture than originally expected.

"This is fairly typical of these systems...they can be quite erratic in terms of how much moisture is filtered in. Precipitation levels were underestimated yesterday."

Forecasters were confident there would be some snow or sleet at altitudes higher than 1000m above sea level.

However, snow started to blanket Stanthorpe (811m) at about 12:30am, with even heavier falls in Eukey (965m) and Wallangarra (895m).

Snow continued to fall at Eukey and Wallangarra well into the morning.

Stanthorpe Chamber of Commerce President John Bylicki said he hoped Stanthorpe's winter wonderland would continue through the weekend.

"I think there's still more to come this weekend," he said.

"The forecasters don't always get it right. I think something similar could happen either tomorrow or Sunday."

People drove through the night from all corners of Queensland and New South Wales to see the once in a generation event.

Cars gridlocked the main street of Stanthorpe and cafes were inundated with freezing tourists looking for hot coffee and food.

Although the snow has started to melt in town, many people are still planning weekend trips to the Granite Belt.

Snow can still be seen on the ground in higher towns such as Eukey, Wallangarra and Amiens.

Mr Dixon said the best of the snow was now behind us but cold conditions would continue to bring frost and the chance of sleet.

"Active snowfall is no longer a risk," he said.

"There may be snow drifts hanging around and snow might still be seen on the ground in the next few days.

"A high pressure ridge will dominate Northern New South Wales and Southern Queensland for the next few days, allowing conditions to stabilise.

"Skies should soon clear and the showers will be confined to the coastal fringe."