‘Chaos’ in Queensland and NSW after massive rainfall totals

An east coast low is still rocking Australia after “mind-boggling” rainfall totals of 250mm were recorded in just three hours.

An east coast low is continuing to lash southeast Australia after monster rainfall totals of 250mm were recorded over the space of just three hours.

While the conditions are not as extreme as what some residents experienced overnight, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned that thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and flash flooding could continue throughout NSW on Friday.

Sky News meteorologist Alison Osborne described Thursday night’s rainfall totals as “mind-boggling” as the rain band moved away from Queensland but continued to hit NSW on Friday afternoon.

The 24 hours to 9am today, some parts of #NSW recorded more than 100mm of rain. The highest rainfall was recorded at #Numinbah with 291mm of rain. Thunderstorms and localised heavy rainfall is still possible today, which could lead to flash flooding. More: https://t.co/REl2VBlGnApic.twitter.com/PZvgnwCHEZ

— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) September 23, 2022

“On the movement of this low today, you can see a pivoting of that rain band off the Queensland coast while continuing to focus showers and possible heavier falls somewhere along the Northern Rivers into the afternoon,” she said.

The torrid conditions are expected to clear up by Saturday though.

South East Queensland arguably copped the worst of the conditions after severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for the Gold Coast area.

That was cancelled at 9.17am when the immediate threat had passed, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary.

The Big 4 campsite at Helensvale had to be evacuated at midnight after campers woke up to find their tents flooded with water.

They quickly had to rush to higher ground, with one drenched camper saying it happened in the space of just 20 minutes.

The Big 4 campsite at Helensvale was flooded overnight. Picture: 9 News

Campers quickly had to flee for higher ground. Picture: 9 News

“I was already awake and my sister just yelled out to me to get up. I got up and I thought, ‘It is probably not that bad’ and within 20 minutes, yeah, the water was going through our tent,” he told the Today show.

“We were knee-deep within minutes.

“It was chaos … just panic, dozens trying to get out at once.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crews were called out to five incidents overnight involving vehicles that had become stuck in floodwater.

Vessels twice had to be deployed to rescue people from their cars. No injuries were reported from either incident.

Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) crews also responded to 12 calls from 6pm on Thursday for leaky roofs.

⚠️A low pressure system delivered intense rainfall overnight to parts of the #GoldCoast. Severe thunderstorm warnings have been recently cancelled, but may be reissued if heavy rain sitting offshore comes ashore. Stay up to date with radar and warnings: https://t.co/FBmpsInT9opic.twitter.com/AEFpywntqg

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) September 22, 2022

More than 680 Energex customers in South East Queensland were without power at 9.45am due to the weather.

“A landslide on Pine Creek Rd is preventing our crews from gaining access to damaged sections of the power network in Springbrook,” Energex said.

“Our crews will deploy drones to assess the damage and the minute the road is cleared they will commence all repairs.”

The majority of customers’ power has since been restored.

Tweed Valley Adventist College had to close on Friday after the school’s grounds were flooded.

“SCHOOL IS CLOSED TODAY due to local flooding! We hope you’re all ok,” the school said.

Tweed Valley Adventist College had to close on Friday. Picture: Tweed Valley Adventist College

Parts of the school were underwater. Picture: Tweed Valley Adventist College

Campers at the CMC Rocks music festival at Ipswich also had a torrid night after the campgrounds were drenched.

“We want to thank all our staff and campers for being absolute troopers through the weather last night,” CMC Rocks said.

“Everyone was kind to each other and let the CMC Rocks spirit shine through the storm.

“There is plenty of sunshine on the way, however the campgrounds will need some time to soak up the water. Please be mindful of this as you get around and avoid any unnecessary movement.”

https://www.facebook.com/rangergreenie/videos/819937585704616

Several roads were closed across the Gold Coast area on Friday morning due to the conditions:

• Maudsland Rd, Maudsland
• Beaudesert Boonah Rd, Coulson
• Hardy’s Rd, Mudgeeraba
• Pine Creek Rd, Springbrook
• Clagiraba Rd, Clagiraba
• Birds Rd, Guanaba
• Signato Drive, Helensvale
• Hotham Creek Rd, Willow Vale
• Lanes Rd, Wongawallan

A strong wind warning is in place for Gold Coast waters, while all beaches are closed across the city.

The bureau said rainfall totals up to 250mm were recorded in the spaced of just three hours in some areas overnight.

“A widespread area of thunderstorms over the south coast catchment area has produced heavy to intense rainfall with rainfall totals of 150-250mm recorded in the last three hours,” it said.

“The heavy rainfall has caused rapid river and creek level rises and minor to moderate flooding in some areas.”

Significant rainfall totals in South East Queensland overnight:

• Clagiraba Rd 104mm in an hour to 11.54pm, 118mm in the two hours to 12.18am
  
• Upper Springbrook 92mm in an hour to 10.28pm, 152mm in the two hours 11.27pm, 222mm in the three hours to 12:23am
  
• Hotham Creek 90mm in an hour to 12am
  
• Numinbah Valley 89mm in an hour to 11.03pm, 124mm in the two hours to 11.57pm
  
• Oxenford Weir 79mm in an hour to 12.35am, 100mm in the two hours to 1.09am
  
• Canungra Army 107mm in the three hours to 12.34am
  
• Mt Tamborine 69mm in an hour to 11.37pm, 95mm in the two hours to 11.49pm
  
• Pacific Pines 77mm in the two hours to 12.50am
  
• Little Nerang Dam 90mm in the two hours to 1.02am, 111mm in the three hours to 1am

Sandbags were handed out by Gold Coast city council on Friday morning so residents could protect themselves against potential flooding.

Queensland Police and SES have advised affected residents to avoid floodwaters, follow updates throughout the day and adjust to the conditions.

A flooded bridge on Mt Mitchell Rd on Thursday. Picture: NSW SES,

In NSW, a severe weather warning is in place for the Northern Rivers district after the area was inundated with “intense rain” for several hours overnight.

It was cancelled after 9am on Friday when the low pressure system that led to heavy rainfall started to weaken.

To 6am on Friday, NSW SES crews had conducted 14 flood rescues and received 193 requests for assistance in the last 24 hours.

There were 22 flood warnings in place across the state on Friday morning, with the SES warning residents to prepare now to minimise damage and consider evacuation as an option if severe flooding is predicted.

Major flooding was occurring along the Namoi River at Wee Waa on Friday, while it is possible at Gunnedah heading into Saturday.

That peak was expected to approach Boggabri on Sunday and Narrabri on Monday.

Renewed Gwydir River level rises and flooding at Copeton Dam are also expected from Friday evening into the weekend.

Significant rainfall totals which occurred overnight:

• Couchy Creek 85mm in an hour to 10.41pm, 155mm in the hours to 12.10am, 222mm in the three hours to 12.40am
• Chillingham 74mm in an hour to 11.34pm, 129mm in the two hours to 12.36am, 171mm in the three hours to 12.48am
• Numinbah 108mm in the two hours to 11.52pm, 133mm in the three hours to 12.51am

The low is forecast to weaken as it moves off the northern coast line later on Friday or early on Saturday, but flash flooding remains a significant risk throughout the day.

NSW SES commissioner Carlene York urged residents to remain vigilant and be prepared.

“We have pre-deployed personnel, high clearance vehicles and aviation assets to the Port Macquarie and Lismore areas and are local units are on the ground ready to help their communities,” she said on Thursday.

“A local incident management team has been established at Goonellabah and is undertaking planning and intelligence activities and working with our community liaison teams to ensure the public is prepared also.

NSW SES are in the affected areas to assist. Picture: NSW SES

“The number of flood rescues continue to rise with people being trapped in their vehicles. We are again reminding people to monitor road conditions and if you should come across flood affected roads, make the safe decision, turn around and find an alternative route.”

The bureau advised the severe weather was no longer occurring on the Mid North Coast, so the warning for that district has been cancelled.