Uncommon widespread rain hits east coast

A south west upper low combined with a trough off the east coast, has caused instability and widespread showers and thunderstorms in south east Queensland.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster, Harry Clark, said over the next three to four days the weather event was expected to move north up the coast.

“Most of South East Queensland is pushing 100 millimetres over the last three days, while Upper Springbrook has received the most recording 307mm,” he said.

“This weather event is now moving north along the coast, with today’s (Monday October 16) focus around the Capricornia divison as well as the North Tropical Coast.

“Tomorrow (Tuesday October 17) the focus will be in the Rockhampton region and up to Mackay, with light showers to the north, with Townsville also receiving a storm.

“On Wednesday heavy storms will shift further north to Townsville and showers will continue until Friday. It will then start to dry out.”

Mr Clark said this widespread rain was uncommon for this time of year.

“Usually October is a dry month, so to have a widespread weather event is uncommon,” he said.

“Depending on the movement of the trough, heavy falls were expected along the coast with Bunderberg and Gladstone expected to receive the heaviest falls in the coming days.”