QLD: Storms to develop over key bushfire zones
Two states battling intense bushfires could soon expect some relief as storms develop that are forecast to last for days.
Firefighters continuing to manage bushfires across Queensland are in for some relief, as up to 30mm of rain could fall on fire grounds over the weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts storms across Queensland on Thursday before conditions worsen over the weekend.
The storms will also impact northern parts of NSW that are also being impacted by bushfires.
“Isolated thunderstorms are possible in far west Queensland and parts of the central interior today,” the bureau stated.
“Severe thunderstorms are not expected.
“Thunderstorms becoming more extensive from tomorrow (Friday) across southern Queensland.”
The bureau also forecasts storms across the Darling Downs and southern interior from Friday.
“Starting tomorrow, multiple days of storms across the Darling Downs and southern interior will bring much-needed rainfall of 10-30mm across fire-affected areas, with isolated higher totals likely,” it said.
“Storms continue well into next week.”
Meanwhile, in NSW, the bureau forecasts storms to return to the northern districts, the tablelands and the ACT on Friday.
“Severe storms possible with large hail and damaging winds in North West Slopes and Plains and heavy rain and damaging winds in northeast NSW,” the bureau forecast on Thursday.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service issued a “prepare to leave” alert for the Carnarvon Gorge, Buckland, Consuelo, Rewan and surrounding areas at 10.47am on Thursday.
“A large, dangerous fire is burning in the Carnarvon National Park and Bandana State Forest,” the alert stated.
“Conditions could get worse quickly.
“Firefighters are working to contain the fire.
“You should not expect a firefighter at your door. Firefighting aircraft are helping ground crews.”
Meanwhile, authorities have also warned residents not to return to Cherry Gully near Warwick, The Glen, Silverwood, Dalveen, Colosseum and Mount Tom near Miriam Vale.
It’s not safe to return to those properties between Old Stanthorpe Rd, Odea Rd and Cullendore Rd
“The fire near Hopgoods Rd, Elbow Valley is still burning,” QFES stated.
“It is travelling towards Cherribah Cherry Gully Rd. Firefighters are working to control the fire.”
Those properties between Pikedale Rd, New England Highway and across to Cullendore Rd, including Old Stanthorpe Rd, are also not safely accessible.
The warning remains in place also for properties between Lowmead Rd and Fingerboard Rd at Colosseum and Mount Tom.
“The fire along Lowmead Rd is still burning,” QFES warned.
“It is travelling towards Colosseum and Fingerboard Rd. If you left the area, it is not safe to return.
“Firefighters are working to control the fire. Firefighting aircraft are helping ground crews.”
A QFES spokesman told ABC News that people who were evacuated would soon be allowed to return to their homes “in a safe and secure manner”.
“The wetter weather and cooler weather is going to improve conditions,” he said on Thursday.
“That’s going to allow our crews to get proactively ahead of any potential future threats, and they’ll be working hard and welcoming these cooler conditions, not only because they can get ahead of the fire, but it’s also more welcoming physiologically on their bodies and also improves morale on the grounds as well.
“It’s a welcome environment, but obviously we’ve still got to be vigilant.
“We’re not out of the woods yet. Still a long fire season and we know we probably have more activity in the weeks to come.”
More assistance from Victoria and New Zealand has arrived into Queensland.
More than 80 Victorian firefighters have started to arrive to relieve Queensland firefighters who have battled intense bushfires for days on end.
Driving to Dalby and following the Victorian fire crews heading to help. pic.twitter.com/qWFmvqbBSz
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) November 1, 2023
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk thanked those giving extra support on Wednesday.
“Although the loss of property in these fires is significant, 387 homes have been saved,“ she said.
“This is a tribute to our firefighters and the communities who continue to follow their directions.
“There is no doubt these combined efforts have saved lives.
“For those who have lost everything, the arms of Queenslanders are wrapping around them.”
A high fire danger rating remains in place for the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, North West and Channel Country regions.
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