Severe thunderstorms have rattled the Sunshine Coast, leading to thousands of power outages, closed roads and significant rainfall totals, while a man was hospitalised following a lightning strike.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued for the Sunshine Coast and Noosa areas during Saturday, along with a Flood Watch.
After the peak of the storms, almost 15,000 homes were without power at 2pm, including about 4000 at Aura.
Among other centres significantly affected were Noosa Heads, Yandina, Landsborough and Mooloolah Valley.
A man was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital with minor injuries after the excavator he was on was reportedly struck by lightning at a private address at Eudlo at 11.15am.
Rose Creek Road at Elimbah and Black Mountain Road at Black Mountain were among roads impacted.
Beerburrum recorded 110mm of rainfall in the two hours to 11am, Landsborough recorded 67mm of rainfall in the 30 minutes to 11.15am, and Eerwah Vale recorded 55mm of rainfall in the 30 minutes to midday.
A Flood Watch was issued at 12.15pm for coastal catchments south of Rockhampton to the NSW border. Localised river level rises and flash flooding are likely within the areas of heaviest rainfall, with isolated minor to moderate riverine flooding possible.
It said that catchments likely to be affected include the Mary River, Noosa River and Sunshine Coast rivers and creeks.
Birtinya resident Warwick Lucas captured an image of almost tornado-like conditions, from his balcony in Birtinya (see main photo).
“We lived in the mid-west in the USA for a few years and got used to seeing tornados develop,” he said.
“This had rotation, was in the right part of the cell but broke apart after 10 minutes.”
Meanwhile, Kureelpa resident Carolyn Hansen was looking towards Nambour and the Bruce Highway and snapped a photo of a giant lightning bolt appearing to strike the Sunshine Coast.
Thunderstorm warnings were cancelled in the afternoon.
There was a very high chance of showers on Sunday, most likely from late in the morning, with the chance of a thunderstorm, which threatens to put a dampener on New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Sunshine Coast Council said on Saturday that their NYE celebrations at Mooloolaba, Coolum Beach and Caloundra were on track.
“Rain is forecast but we’re watching the weather and will keep you posted,” they said via social media.
“Fireworks shows can go on in the rain, but wind and lightning could force a cancellation.
“As with any outdoor event, it’s a good idea to have a Plan B in case of a cancellation.”
They were due to provide another update on Sunday morning.
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