14 Feb 2023 | 07:32 AM UTC
Australia: Adverse weather forecast across parts of southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales through at least Feb. 15
Adverse weather forecast across southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia through Feb. 15. Flight disruptions ongoing.
Event
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast across parts of southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales through at least Feb. 15. As of Feb. 14, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued severe thunderstorm warnings for giant hailstones, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall across Northern Tablelands, Northern Rivers, North West Slopes and Plains, and Central West Slopes and Plains forecast districts in New South Wales and Noosa, Brisbane City, Gympie, Logan, Gold Coast, Redland City, Sunshine Coast, and Moreton Bay council areas in Queensland. A wider severe thunderstorm warning for large hailstones, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall is in place over Southeast Coast, Wide Bay and Burnett, and Darling Downs and Granite Belt forecast districts in Queensland. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Reports indicate that around 5,600 homes across southeastern Queensland are without power. As of the evening of Feb. 14, severe flight disruptions are ongoing at Brisbane Airport (BNE). Authorities temporarily halted ground activity at the airport; services have since resumed.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds and large waves trigger hazardous sea conditions.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and employees' inability to reach work sites. Electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
