Floodwaters recede as Sunshine Coast emerges from deluge
Floodwaters are receding across the Sunshine Coast after torrential rain cut roads and triggered dozens of SES callouts.
QLD News
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The Sunshine Coast was beginning to recover on Sunday after being hit with about 140mm of rain in 24 hours, with flood waters receding and roads reopening.
As of Sunday morning, less than 70 roads remain closed, including about 40 local roads, down from more than 130 on the Sunshine Coast Council’s disaster hub on Saturday.
Emergency services carried out multiple rescues, and waterways surged during the deluge, but conditions have now improved.
Across Queensland there were 204 requests for help from SES with most of the jobs structural, followed by flooding and trees down.
There were 29 calls for help in Gympie, 24 on the Sunshine Coast and 15 in Noosa.
Since 9am on Saturday, the heaviest rainfall in Queensland fell on Eumundi with 139mm recorded where localised flooding was occurring.
There was flooding in Nambour, with roads cut, along with Doonan, Yandina and other more low lying areas.
Wappa Dam was overflowing while Wappa Falls was furious after more than 103mm of rain.
Nearby there was 102mm at Poona Dam, and 100mm at Ball Lookout, with vast parts of the region recording more than 50mm.
A popular bar in the Noosa hinterland had to close after being surrounded by floodwaters.
Severe weather conditions forced the closure of The Doonan.
“Due to severe weather conditions, The Doonan is closed until further notice,” the statement read.
“The safety of our guests and staff is our top priority.
“Stay safe, and we’ll keep you updated as the situation unfolds.”
The venue is located at the intersection of Beddington Rd and Eumundi-Noosa Rd, Doonan.
Swift water rescue crews were seen wading through flood waters at the intersection.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a minor flood warning for the Noosa River and a flood warning for the Maroochy and Mooloolah Rivers and Coochin Creek at 1.15pm on Saturday.
It said there was minor flooding possible at Tewantin on high tides over the next few days.
“Moderate to heavy rainfall has been recorded in the Noosa and Maroochy River catchments in the last few days, which has caused significant river and creek level rises across the catchments,” it said.
“Showers and thunderstorms with possible heavy rainfall are forecast for the remainder of Saturday, which may keep river and creek levels elevated with higher levels possible.
“Maroochy River: Rapid river and creek level rises are occurring along the Maroochy River and its tributaries, with minor to moderate flooding recorded at several locations.” Minor flooding is occurring along the Noosa River around Tewantin on the morning high tide.
The Noosa River at Tewantin briefly exceeded the moderate flood level (1.3m) on the morning high tide. The river level was at 1.12m and falling, above the minor flood level (1m).
The Noosa River at Tewantin fell below the minor flood level (1m) early Saturday afternoon with the falling tide.
River and creek level rises and minor flooding were occurring along the Mooloolah River and its tributaries, along with Coochin Creek.
On Sunday morning, the BoM said:
“Minor flooding may occur along the lower Maroochy River. Minor flooding in the upper catchment has eased. The Maroochy River at Picnic Point is currently at 1.11m and rising with the tide, below the minor flood level (1.25m). The Maroochy River at Picnic Point may reach the minor flood level (1.25m) Sunday morning and evening on the high tide.”
It said the Noosa River at Tewantin was at 1.22m and rising with the tide, above the minor flood level (1m), and could reach the moderate flood level (1.3m) Sunday morning and evening on the high tide.
Minor flooding was still occurring along the Mooloolah River and Mountain Creek, and had eased along Coochin Creek by Sunday morning.
Multiple rescue calls, ‘tornado’ reported amid flooding
The Sunshine Coast region was hit with heavy rain on Friday, continuing into Saturday, causing widespread flooding across parts of the area.
Emergency crews have also been kept busy throughout the day, responding to multiple calls for assistance as drivers became trapped in floodwaters.
By midday, four calls had been made for drivers trapped in floodwaters, with more into the aftrenoon, but thankfully, all were able to reach safety on their own before crews arrived, with no reports of injuries.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, overnight rainfall totals ranged between 100-200mm, resulting in flooding across several catchments near the Coast, including the Mary, Noosa, and Bremer Rivers.
As of Saturday morning, Hilton Tce remained closed from Doonella Bridge, with drivers urged to take diversions via Beckmans Rd.
Floodwaters also overtook Pikes Rd Crossing in Beerwah by midday on Saturday, disrupting local traffic.
Further north, in Gympie, flooding continues to affect the area, with Kidd Bridge closed as the Mary River rises.
The Mary River at Gympie was recorded at 10.16m on Saturday morning, above the minor flood level of 6m, and continues to rise.
In a more unusual weather event, Higgins Storm Chasing shared a video on Friday showing what appeared to be a small tornado impacting West Woombye in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
The tight twister was seen tearing through local resident Steph’s property, ripping up trees and sending tin flying through the air.
With more rain expected throughout Saturday, additional flooding is possible, and a flood watch has been issued for multiple regions, including the Sunshine Coast.
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