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A broken trampoline is pictured on top of a power pole in the Bargara aftera tornado went through the Queensland town on January 26, 2013. |
The coastal towns of Bargara, Burnett Heads and Coonar in Bundaberg were severely affected as destructive winds from tornado activity brought down powerlines, uprooted trees and ripped of roofs. Two people were also seriously injured when a tree fell on their vehicle during the wild conditions. (More information at the ABC News website)
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| "Dude, where's my car?" - Bargara resident Sandy Hortin with his car outside his Bargara home. |
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| Rainfall from 9am (as at 10:13pm 26/01/13) |
The latest Severe Weather Warning issued at 7:20pm still warns that radar imagery suggests the strong possibility of further tornado activity affecting areas through the Wide Bay and Burnett region, and the Bureau has even request to use the Standard Emergency Warning Signal before broadcasting the warning to the area.
For the Southeast Coast district including the Gold Coast, the warning states that we can expect:
- damaging wind gusts of 110km/h expected to contract southwards into the Southeast Coast district during Sunday (north parts of Sunshine Coast & Darling Downs/Granite Belt tonight)
- destructive wind gusts in excess of 125km/h and tornadoes developing during Sunday (north parts of Sunshine Coast & Darling Downs/Granite Belt may experience tonight)
- heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding with six-hour accumulations in excess of 100mm likely, particularly during Sunday.
- 24 hour rainfall accumulations in excess of 250mm are likely and could lead to rapid river and stream rises
- morning tides on Sunday and Monday are likely to exceed highest tide level in coastal and island locations
- exposed beaches will experience damaging waves and flooding of possible low-lying coastal areas
- dangerous surf conditions with significant beach erosion.
A review of the latest computer generated Rainfall Forecast maps for Sunday shows an increase in the expected rainfall particularly in the southern areas of the Southeast including Gold Coast City and Scenic Rim with the 'purple' areas in the map below estimating possible falls of between 200-300mm, with other areas in darker and lighter blue estimating anywhere between 100-200mm.
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| South-East Queensland Rainfall Forecast for Sunday 27 January 2013 (Issued by Bureau of Meteorology on 26/01/13) |
So tomorrow be prepared for some wild weather, stay indoors and don't attempt to drive or enter any flood waters. We'll be updating our Facebook page and Twitter account constantly during tomorrow with weather related information, otherwise tune your radio to ABC 91.7FM for official emergency information.
Severe Storms
The following information comes from the Gold Coast City Council's Community Disaster Guide:Before a severe storm
- Ensure that your emergency plan is up-to-date and your emergency kit is ready
- Check your insurance covers home and contents from the risk of storms
- Check the roof and gutters are in good condition, clearing leaves and trim any tree branches
- Ensure your yard is free of loose items like patio furniture and rubbish
- Keep vehicles under cover
During a severe storm
- Keep your emergency plan and emergency kit with you
- Listen to the radio for information and updates
- Don’t use the telephone
- Stay inside and shelter away from doors and windows
- If you need to shelter in the strongest part of your house, this is usually the bathroom, toilet or hallway
- Have mattresses and blankets ready for extra protection
After a severe storm
- Listen to the radio for information and updates
- Remain indoors until advised it is safe
- Do not enter flood waters
- If safe to go outside, carefully check your home for damage and make temporary repairs if needed
- Keep away from damaged powerlines and fallen trees
- Do not drink tap water unless safe to do so
