Wild weather expected over NYE weekend after Christmas-Boxing Day storms

Murray Watt says it’s unfair to suggest warnings weren’t given to residents before deadly storms descended on Queensland, with more wild weather expected in 2023’s last days.

BOM heatwave conditions forecast for Friday, Saturday and Sunday (New Years Eve). Picture supplied/BOM

It is “unfair” to suggest warnings weren’t being provided to residents before deadly storms descended on Queensland, according to Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt.

Mr Watt says the Bureau of Meteorology has come under “unfair criticism” after some councils unloaded on the institution for providing warnings after the storm had hit.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he personally received a warning from the BOM app at 9pm about storms set to hit his area at 9pm.

“We will be talking to BOM about what’s going on regarding the warning because we can’t warn people … it’s not good enough,” Councillor Tate said at a media conference on Wednesday.

“It is a little unfair for some people to be suggesting that warnings weren’t being provided,” Mr Watt said.

“I have seen myself the warnings that BOM were providing for days leading up to those storms.

“And they continued to provide those warnings on the day itself right up into the evening,”

He said communication from councils was an issue that needed to be looked at.

“What I’ve found is that a lot of the complaints that people have had is that they weren’t receiving emergency warnings by text message, those warnings are actually provided by councils rather than BOM,”

He said all three levels of government and the bureau could “do better” in ensuring a smooth information flow.

“One of the things we have learnt is that there may be a bit of a gap between the info the BOM is providing to councils and state government and the dissemination of that information out to residents,” Mr Watt said.

He said the water management system in the Douglas Shire was expected to be operational today, at least temporarily, following land slips that led to mud and dirt entering the systems.

“There is a massive repair task ahead for Queensland,” he said.

The criticism comes as wild weather is set to impact the country over the last few days of 2023, with storms and a heatwave forecast for much of the east coast.

Brisbane is set to experience its hottest December Day in four years, with a top of 37 expected as 45,000 homes in the state are still without power.

According to Sky News, temperatures could reach 10 degrees above the December average.

The state’s electricity company Energex has been setting up microgrids to provide homes with power while the main grid is reconnected following the devastating storms.

Scenic Rim Region Council Mayor Greg Christensen said 75 per cent of his region lost power.

“The power grid out in those areas heading into the heatwave has been challenging,” Cr Christensen said on Sunrise.

“Our communities have been very resilient but they are getting tired.

“It’s been a tough few days,” he said.

Thunderstorms have temporarily eased today, but are expected to redevelop around eastern QLD and northeast NSW from Saturday according to BOM.

There are current heatwave warnings in place, as temperatures are expected to reach mid-to-high 40s in some areas of the country.

BOM rainfall forecast for New Year’s Eve.

In Western Australia, low to severe-intensity heatwave conditions apply through the Kimberley, eastern Pilbara and Interior districts, reaching extreme intensity in some areas.

Low to severe-intensity heatwave conditions cover most areas in the Northern Territory, with extreme heatwave levels forecast around Darwin.

In Queensland, low to locally severe heatwave conditions are building along the east coast, including Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and areas surrounding Cairns.

Meanwhile extreme heatwave conditions are forecast for parts of northern Queensland.

There are strong wind warning in place for parts of Tasmania,

“Our focus is always on supporting the safety and security of the Australian community and everyone is encouraged to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings,” BOM senior meteorologist Sarah Scully said on Thursday.

“The best way to do this is to check the BOM Weather app or website for current weather warnings in your location and if you are travelling, make sure to update your location.”