Lockyer Valley Regional Council reveal regions at risk of future flooding as Bureau of Meteorology raises risk of third La Nina

Flood hazard modelling has revealed some of the Lockyer Valley suburbs at risk of future flooding, as experts predict an increased risk of further drenching later this year.

Mapping has revealed some of the areas in the Lockyer Valley most at risk of future devastating floods, with a rare third La Nina on the cards for later this year.

This week the Bureau of Meteorology’s El Nino-Southern Oscillation outlook was increased from La Nina watch to alert, with a 70 per cent chance of the weather system forming by early spring, about triple the normal likelihood.

BOM senior meteorologist Jonathan How said the three month climate outlook showed a high chance of above average rainfall for most of the eastern region of Australia between September and November.

“With wet soils, high rivers and full dams, and the outlook for above average rainfall, elevated flood risk remains for eastern Australia,” he said.

Above-median rainfall is very likely from September to November for much of the eastern two-thirds of the mainland.

“The Bureau of Meteorology’s El Nino – Southern Oscillation Outlook, which is monitored by the bureau’s specialist climatologists and is underpinned by analysis of seven climate models, is at La Nina ALERT status. This means there is a 70 per cent chance of La Nina returning this spring.

“The bureau is advising of very high chances of wet conditions over eastern Australia for the next three months. Should a La Nina event be established in the Pacific Ocean, the wet conditions will persist into summer.”

Areas at risk of future flooding in Laidley. Image: Lockyer Valley Regional Council.

After the devastating flooding of Laidley in May, Lockyer Valley Regional Council updated their flood maps to reveal the northern suburbs of Laidley are at the highest risk of flooding, with a medium to low risk through the middle of the region.

Gatton has also a number of regions that are at high risk of future flooding.

“It’s the plans we make before disaster strikes that make the difference during an event which is why residents and businesses are urged to ensure they have the necessary precautions in place to keep themselves, and their families safe – with our website providing tips and tricks on ways to prepare for all weather events,” the council’s mayor Tanya Milligan said.

Originally published as Lockyer Valley Regional Council reveal regions at risk of future flooding as Bureau of Meteorology raises risk of third La Nina