The residents of Queensland’s south-east are facing a weather nightmare as the remnants of ex-Cyclone Kirrily continue to wreak havoc, fueling severe thunderstorms and sparking fears of a potential superstorm.
The state finds itself in the grip of weather chaos, with a combination of heatwave conditions and intense thunderstorms, creating a volatile weather pattern expected to persist into mid-next week.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s (BoM) senior meteorologist, Miriam Bradbury, has reported that Kirrily has transformed into a tropical low, contributing to persistent heavy rainfall near Mount Isa.
This has intensified concerns as the region grapples with the aftermath of the ex-cyclone, amplifying the risk of flash floods and other weather-related hazards.
The remnants of the former tropical cyclone delivered 170mm of rainfall in Kirby and 90mm at Seymour Gap during the 24 hours leading up to 9 am on Sunday. However, a trough, drawing moisture from the ex-cyclone farther south, has triggered formidable storms.
Numerous locations in the south-eastern part of the state have experienced rainfall exceeding 150mm overnight, and the anticipation is for persistent heavy rainfall throughout the upcoming week. Although the trough exhibits limited movement, it is infusing substantial energy into any showers and storms that develop.
This augmentation enhances their potential to unleash heavy rainfall and provoke instances of flash flooding, as explained by Ms. Bradbury.
Among the affected areas, Glenora Road, Avocet, and Mt Berryman Road bore the brunt, registering rainfall measurements of 243mm, 235mm, and 234mm respectively.
According to Ms. Bradbury, the turbulent weather is set to persist well into the upcoming week. However, a notable “shift” on Wednesday is anticipated to initiate the northward movement of the trough.
This shift is expected to bring heavy rains to central Queensland, while providing a respite in the south-eastern part of the state. The havoc wrought by ex-tropical cyclone Kirrily unfolded after its downgrade from category three to category two on Thursday evening.
