Former Fraser Coast councillor and One Nation candidate James Hansen, 57, has been found dead in a flooded creek in Queensland. He went missing on Monday after trying to cross flooded Smothering Creek on Boompa Road, near Maryborough. Police say a report will go to the coroner while investigations continue. Mr Hansen was a dairy farmer and served on Fraser Coast Regional Council for three terms. Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour paid tribute to him as a passionate advocate for rural producers. Severe weather and rising floodwaters continue to affect parts of Queensland.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Sydney, Wollongong and parts of the Blue Mountains. A large multi-state storm system is bringing hail, damaging winds and flash flooding to New South Wales, southern Queensland, the ACT and eastern Victoria. Wind gusts of up to 100km/h were recorded in central west NSW. Eight flood warnings are in place across southern Queensland after heavy rain, with the Mary River forecast to reach major flood levels. Forecasters say Monday will bring the last major burst of storms.
Severe thunderstorms are moving across eastern Australia, bringing warnings of damaging winds and heavy rain. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, with flash flooding possible. Wind gusts of up to 113km/h were recorded at Cabramurra in the Snowy Mountains. Queensland is forecast to be hardest hit, after 100mm to 200mm of rain fell in parts of the Wide Bay-Burnett region. Flood warnings are current in several parts of Queensland, including a major warning for the Mary River at Tiaro.
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Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast to sweep across most Australian states this weekend, adding to flooding in Queensland. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. Senior meteorologist David Crock said storms are expected across central and eastern Queensland on Saturday. Earlier this week, flash flooding in south-east Queensland prompted hundreds of SES callouts and the closure of several schools. Caboolture and the Sunshine Coast hinterlands recorded seven-day rainfall totals of 300 to 400 millimetres.
Torrential rain and flash flooding across south-east Queensland have prompted more than 540 calls for emergency help. Sheep Station Creek recorded the highest rainfall, at 343mm, followed by Caboolture and Morayfield. Emergency crews carried out more than 16 swiftwater rescues, including one of an elderly man clinging to his vehicle roof at Caboolture. Several schools closed on Friday, and many roads remain shut. The Bureau of Meteorology says the upper-level trough causing the downpours is moving out to sea, though rain will continue for several days.
Tasmanians are being urged to stay alert as high fire danger is forecast across much of the state. The east coast and Midlands face the greatest risk, with warm temperatures, dry vegetation and gusty winds. Tasmania Fire Service deputy chief officer Matt Lowe warned that even a small fire could spread quickly. Strike teams and firefighting aircraft are on standby. Residents are asked to check their bushfire plans and report any smoke or flames to Triple Zero (000) straight away.
Alice Springs is bracing for more thunderstorms while residents are still clearing up after Monday's severe storm, which residents have described as the worst in 40 years. Winds of up to 96 kilometres per hour were recorded at the airport. Power And Water says about 4,000 homes remain without electricity, with extra crews travelling to the town. Emergency services have received 50 requests for help, mostly for fallen trees and roof damage. Residents have been urged to drive carefully, avoid flooded areas and keep away from fallen powerlines.
Thousands of Alice Springs residents remain without power after intense thunderstorms ripped through the town on Monday. Wind gusts reached 125km/h in some areas, tearing roofs from buildings and smashing cars and homes. NT Treasurer Bill Yan said about 4000 homes were still without power on Tuesday morning. Several public and non-government schools in the town were closed or lacked power. The Bureau of Meteorology said the storms are expected to move east to northern New South Wales and South East Queensland, bringing damaging winds and large hail.
Warm spring conditions could develop into thunderstorms with the potential for hail across south-east Queensland this week. The Bureau of Meteorology said storms could hit south of Brisbane from Tuesday, with large hail possible near the New South Wales border, around the Gold Coast and inland to the Granite Belt. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to persist across southern areas until Thursday. Rainfall totals could range from one to 20 millimetres, with heavier falls possible on the Gold Coast. Isolated storms are also possible in Chinchilla, Rockhampton and Mackay.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned Sydney and Brisbane could face their most significant storm activity on Tuesday. Widespread thunderstorms are likely across New South Wales and Queensland on Monday and Tuesday, before a cold snap sends temperatures sharply lower. Sydney is forecast to reach 33C on Monday but only 20C later in the week. Senior meteorologist David Crock has warned severe storms could develop around Alice Springs, bringing damaging winds. Melbourne could drop to 14C on Wednesday, with the risk of late-season frost in southern areas.
