Australia severe weather 2007/8 season

[Supercell Hunters]

On Sunrise this morning they mentioned a cyclone is developing for S QLD and N NSW. Looks like windshear going nuts by stormcast!

http://forecasts.bsch.au.com/stormcast.htm...r_850#stormcast

And next day looking like an eye of cyclone!

http://forecasts.bsch.au.com/stormcast.htm...r_850#stormcast

GFS plotted a nasty system developing where this is going to be forming, its located on MT and its gaining strength against winds and moisture flow from Pacific.

Looks like a New Year cyclone to me!

[Supercell Hunters]

OMG guys the stormcast is incredible, severe gales copping the coast by late Sunday and early Monday next week!

http://forecasts.bsch.au.com/stormcast.htm...r_850#stormcast

Beautiful eye of storm offshore bringing insane winds and severe high tides to coast especially flooding rain areas and squally thunderstorms. GFS is still holding it! EC is even scarier now...........

Whats next?

[Supercell Hunters]

Oh dear, now going for potentially cyclone!

EXTENDED OUTLOOK

The high over the Tasman Sea will continue to move eastwards while slowly

weakening. The upper trough over the south-west of the state will move eastwards

and move mostly off the coast on Friday. From late Thursday onwards the upper

trough will amplify and induce a low at the surface off the central coast of

Qld. This low will then move slowly southwards during the weekend while

deepening and could potentially develop into a cyclone.

The upper trough will clear the cloud and rain to the north-east during Thursday

and Friday. A weak monsoon trough will develop over northern Queensland later in

the week bringing with it showers, thunderstorms and rain areas for the northern

tropics.

As the low develops on Thursday strong winds will initially occur on the coast

between about Bowen and Sandy Cape with offshore gales developing for mariners

about the Capricornia. However, as the surface low deepens and moves southwards,

the strong/gale winds will reorganize and by late Friday become confined to the

coast between about Bowen and Point Danger by evening. During Saturday the

strong winds will eventually occur south of St Lawrence with gales extending

further south to about SE coast. Along with the increasing winds, there is the

likelihood of increasing swells along coastal areas with very dangerous

conditions along the beaches with some erosion and high water levels along with

unfavourable conditions for boating.

In terms of weather for the weekend, showers will be mostly confined to coastal

and adjacent inland areas in the east and southeast with continual showers and

thunderstorms about the northern tropics.

From NSW BoM

Severe weather expected north of Coffs Harbour on Sunday from approaching deep low or tropical cyclone (soon to be named). Expecting severe gales, high tides, severe erosion, damaging surf, flash flooding and widespread shallow flooding north of Yamba. Conditions like this can cause major damage to cities and towns across north coastal region. Confidence: MODERATE

[Cookie]

I hope you'r ok mate!

[Supercell Hunters]

Cyclone expected to form on Saturday afternoon, wishful rain tending to flooding and unexpectly going to see some high winds during the weekend into next week. First Severe Weather Warning had issue for Southeast coast of QLD.

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

for Abnormally High Tides/Dangerous Surf

For people in Offshore Islands south of Rockhampton including The Capricorn and

Bunker Groups, Fraser Island and the Sunshine Coast.

Issued at 10:35 am on Thursday 27 December 2007

Synoptic Situation: A tropical low is developing in the Coral Sea and is

expected to be located about 550km Northeast of Yeppoon early Friday.

Very large waves are expected to be generated by this system and are expected to affect areas north from Fraser Island and the Sunshine Coast on Saturday and extend down to Coolangatta Tweed Heads by Sunday. The winds and waves will cause abnormally high tides which should exceed the highest tides of the year.

PRIORITY

Coastal Waters Wind Warning

For waters from Bowen to Point Danger including Hervey Bay and Moreton Bay.

Issued at 11:20 am EST on Thursday 27 December 2007

Synoptic Situation

A 1022 hpa high in the central Tasman Sea is moving slowly eastwards and extends a firm ridge along the southern and central coast of Qld. A surface trough near Cairns extends east across the Coral Sea to a developing low near 21S 154E. The low is expected to move SE during the next 36 hours and gradually deepen.

Strong Wind/Gale Warning

Bowen to Point Danger including Hervey/Moreton Bays

SE winds at 20/30 knots between Bowen to Double Island Point for today to extend to Point Danger by Friday night. SE winds to 30/40 knot winds will develop offshore between St Lawrence to Sandy Cape overnight and extend south to Double Island Point during Friday. Seas to 2.5 to 3 metres in open waters rising to 3.5 metres within the Gale zone. A 2 metre E to SE swell rising to 3 to 4 metres overnight and into tomorrow.

Gales expected to reach northern New South Wales during tomorrow or Saturday.

Had few bursts of showers here this morning, scored 17mm so far since 9am. It pretty much like start of event to me.

[Supercell Hunters]

Winds has picking up but not much rain yet, most of clouds moving away from coast but theres alot of cu coming in from coast, not sure what this doing compared to our newspaper article referring a severe weather event.

Brace for a wetn wild weekend

29.12.2007

A WEEKEND of wild weather has been predicted for the Northern Rivers, with a tropical low creating bouts of torrential rain, strong winds and huge waves.

Strong south-easterly coastal winds could create five-metre high waves and beach erosion was likely, the State Emergency Service said.

A powerful east-to south-easterly swell was also expected to accompany the winds, which are expected to peak on Sunday.

It looks like a pretty lousy New Years Eve for people up on the North Coast. Itll be an indoor celebration I think, SES spokesman Phil Campbell said. Itll be pretty wet and windy otherwise.

Some beaches may close and holiday-makers are advised to stay out of the water, Surf Life Saving Australia said.

Mr Campbell urged campers not to set up near water courses, to check river conditions regularly and not drive or walk through flood waters given the expected rain. AAP

http://www.northernstar.com.au/localnews/s...condsubsection=

Looks like EC predicting the GOC cyclone going SE parallel QLD coast all the way to N NSW coast as category 5 status!

[Supercell Hunters]

Priority

NSW SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

Damaging Surf

For people in

Northern Rivers

Issued at 4:15 pm on Saturday 29 December 2007

Synoptic Situation: 3:00 pm EDT Saturday

A low pressure system with a central pressure of 996 hPa is currently located about 420 kilometres northeast of Sandy Cape on Fraser Island. The low may deepen a little while remaining near stationary for the next 24 hours. The low will then drift slowly to the northwest.

Damaging surf conditions are expected on Sunday on the far North Coast between Tweed Heads and Wooli, with waves expected to exceed 5 metres in the surf zone and are likely to cause significant beach erosion.

Warnings

Strong Wind Warning north of Wooli and South of Ulladulla.

Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Surf Conditions Far North Coastal Waters for Sunday.

Synoptic Situation

A low in the Coral Sea extends a trough southwards to the waters off the northern New South Wales coast. The low is expected to intensify over the weekend, producing strong southeasterly winds from overnight over far northern New South Wales waters, increasing to Gale force Sunday/Monday. An increasing E swell is also expected to affect far northern waters over the weekend. A high pressure system, located near New Zealand, extends a ridge over the remaining New South Wales waters.

Far North Coastal Waters, Point Danger to Wooli and 60nm seawards:

Strong to Gale Force Wind Warning. Severe Weather Warning.

Saturday until midnight: Wind: SE 25/33 knots north of Cape Byron. Increasing to SE 20/30 knots south of Cape Byron. Sea: 3 to 4 metres in the north, 2 to 3 metres in the south. Swell: E 2.5 to 3.5 metres. Dangerous surf conditions.

Sunday: Wind: North of Cape Byron: SE 25/33 knots, reaching 35/40 knots offshore.

South of Cape Byron: 20/30 knots. Sea: 3 to 4 metres in north, 2 to 3 metres in south. Swell: E 3 to 4 metres. Dangerous surf conditions. Refer severe weather warning.

Monday Outlook: Wind: SE 25/35 knots, possibly reaching 35/40 knots.

Tuesday Outlook: Wind: SE 25/35 knots, decreasing

Forecast for Saturday evening

Scattered showers. Fresh south to southeast winds, fresh to strong on the coast in the north. Dangerous surf conditions developing.

Forecast for Sunday

Scattered showers. Moderate to fresh southeasterly winds, increasing to strong near the coast in the afternoon. Damaging surf conditions.

Lismore: Showers. Min: 19 Max: 26

Cape Byron: Showers. Windy. Min: 22 Max: 25

Grafton: Showers. Min: 20 Max: 28

Forecast for Monday

Rain periods. Fresh east to southeast winds, strong along the coast.

Lismore: Rain, windy at times. Min: 21 Max: 25

Forecast for Tuesday

Scattered showers. Southeast winds, fresh to strong along the coast.

Lismore: Few showers. Min: 20 Max: 27

Forecast for Wednesday

Scattered showers. Southeast winds, fresh to strong on the coast.

Lismore: Few showers. Min: 19 Max: 26

Current Weather Situation and Future Developments:

A deepening low over the Coral Sea will bring showers, strong southeasterly winds and heavy easterly swells along the far north coast of New South Wales for the next few days. The low is expected to move slowly northwest during Sunday and Monday. The remainder of the state will be under influence of a high pressure ridge from a high near New Zealand. On Wednesday the ridge should weaken as a trough develops over the inland parts of the state.

[Icer]

Sounds bad down there.

[Supercell Hunters]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/nmoc/latest_...IDCODE=IDY00050

Intense squally showers has developed hitting the coast and had it few mins ago with extreme gusts around 75km/hr with some moderate falls. It pretty much like a cyclonic conditions. Beaches are now closed, NYE fireworks are now cancelled. This conditions still continuing over next 48hours or more, next system coming in by Friday with stronger low/possible cyclone.

Hence the monsoon became active overnight, warning from Darwin:

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

for Locally Destructive Winds, Widespread Damaging Winds, Heavy Rainfall,

Abnormally High Tides and Large Waves

for people in the eastern Top End and northern Darwin-Daly district.

Issued at 11:00 am CST Sunday 30 December 2007

Synoptic Situation: At 10am CST, an active monsoon trough lies across the

northern Top End with a developing, slow moving low centred near Jabiru.

Locally destructive wind gusts to 120 km/h are possible with thunderstorms over

the northern Darwin-Daly district and eastern Top End this afternoon and

evening. Widespread damaging wind gusts up to 90 km/h, large waves and

abnormally high tides are expected along the north coast between Cape Don and

Nhulunbuy today and tomorrow morning. Heavy monsoonal rain currently falling

across the eastern Top End and northern Darwin-Daly district is expected to

cause significant stream rises with possible flooding of low-lying areas.

The Northern Territory Emergency Service advises that people should secure loose

outside objects and seek shelter when the conditions deteriorate. Driving

conditions may be hazardous - avoid flooded roads and watercourses. Abnormally

high tides could cause minor flooding at the coast.

The next warning is due to be issued by 5:00 pm Sunday.

Next squally showers coming in very soon.

[Cookie]

thanks for the udpates mate

[Supercell Hunters]

The satellite showing its really moving towards south-southwest direction instead forecasted going northwest! Looks like going to landfall by tomorrow somewhere south of Brisbane.

http://realtime2.bsch.au.com/vis_sat.html?...=&stop=#nav

Getting intense here atm, gusts reaching full velocity at 75km/hr remaing at 5 second mean wind speed at 24km/hr!

OCF forecasts now going onward for this event, but continuing rest of the week through new year period!

http://www.australianweathernews.com/OCF/OCF_058.HTM

Our coastal wind warning is very confused with wind speed, going below gale by later tomorrow??? Still saying the low is moving northwest, compared to satellite clearly showing moving south-southwest!!!

Forecast for Sunday evening

Scattered showers. Moderate to fresh south to southeast winds, strong near the coast.

Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Surf Conditions.

Forecast for Monday

Showers. Moderate to fresh and gusty south to southeast winds, strong near the coast. Dangerous surf conditions.

Lismore: Showers. Windy. Min: 18 Max: 26

Cape Byron: Showers. Windy. Min: 22 Max: 25

Grafton: Showers. Min: 19 Max: 27

Forecast for Tuesday

Scattered showers. Moderate to fresh southeast winds, stronger near the coast.

Lismore: Few showers. Min: 19 Max: 25

Forecast for Wednesday

Scattered showers. Southeast winds, fresh to strong on the coast.

Lismore: Few showers. Min: 19 Max: 27

Forecast for Thursday

Scattered showers. Southeast winds, fresh to strong on the coast.

Lismore: Few showers. Min: 19 Max: 26

[Supercell Hunters]

http://realtime2.bsch.au.com/ir_sat.html?r...=&stop=#nav

Satellite looking great now, bring alot of squally showers to n nsw coast this morning, perhaps the low seems moving west instead northwest as forecast overnight. It helped the rainbands to cross the coast with strong to gale forces winds under showers. Highest gust was Byron Bay reached 98km/hr (roughly 53mph) at 5am this morning!

Looks like we directly under the rainbands since, going to get windier as i going back to Ballina very soon. Bring it on 2008 rains and storms!

Storms bring risky swells

31.12.2007

By Andy Parks andy.parks@northernstar.com.au WINDS gusting up to 82 kilometres an hour lashed the coast over the weekend, bringing down trees and in some areas causing extensive blackouts.

The high winds and huge seas were the result of a low pressure system off the Queensland coast. A gale warning was issued by the Bureau of Meteorology from Point Danger to Cape Byron yesterday.

Up to 40,000 homes around Tweeds Heads were without power yesterday for more than an hour after a tree landed on powerlines near the Tweed Heads substation.

Trees were reported to be down across roads at Brunswick Heads and Kyogle.

Northern NSW Lifeguard co-ordinator, Stephen Leahy, said it was a busy weekend for his teams.

A man had to be rescued in high seas near Yamba after he went missing in the surf. The rescue involved the police and the Westpac Rescue helicopter as well as the lifeguard service.

Mr Leahy also said there were two other rescues in the Yamba area and four around Byron Bay yesterday.

Two bodyboarders were washed up on rocks and had to be given first aid at The Pass at Byron Bay on Saturday.

Lifeguards also had to assist more than 200 tourists to climb off the lookout at The Pass in Byron Bay yesterday, he said.

The Northern Stars surfing columnist, Phil Roxburgh, said the conditions would be unsuitable for surfers for at least a few more days.

The trouble with a low like this is that its too close. There is too much sweep and everything is full of white water, he said. Were expecting swells of over two metres for the next week.

The strong wind warnings and predictions of damaging surf conditions didnt keep Travis Templer and his girlfriend Natalie Siiankoski out of the water at Lennox Point on Saturday.

I didnt check the forecast today but I knew there was a cyclone building off the coast. I didnt know how far down it would reach, but when I was out there I knew this wasnt for me, Mr Templer said.

There were some older guys out there having a ball, but theyve probably surfed this point since Jesus was playing footy for Jerusalem.

Mr Templer, who is down from the Gold Coast on holiday, said he had only taken up surfing again six weeks ago. I was probably out there an hour and only caught one wave. I had to pull out about 10 times going this is not for me. It was just too rough and unpredictable.

Ms Siiankoski has surfed for a couple of years, but it wasnt her day either.

I just couldnt get out the back. There were too many sets coming in. I was trying to get out when this big shore break washed me up on to the rocks, she said.

She had cuts on her upper thigh and was happy to spend the rest of the day out of the water.

Australian Lifeguard Services issued more than 1500 warnings to people swimming in dangerous locations over the weekend and is advising that people should only swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty.

They also suggest people avoid entering the water until it is deemed safe to do so and to stay away from rock ledges and shelves.

http://www.northernstar.com.au/localnews/s...condsubsection=

Well Byron Bay already had up to 98km/hr hour without storm force warning! It forecasted for 35knots but nothing expected for gale to storm at all, BoM will NOT going to issue that because they did not notice it or ignoring it unpredictable weather across Northern Rivers.

[Supercell Hunters]

Nice squally rain shower bands across n nsw, nice heavier falls here in Ballina socred over 50mm past 12hrs. More to come, light rain atm. Weather charts enhancing a new weather end of this week which will including storms and heat! Yay welcome back Summer.

Nice and mild here atm.

[Cookie]

thanks for the updates mate and the links.

[Icer]

Thanks for the updates sound bad, at times there!

Edited January 1, 2008 by Icer

[Supercell Hunters]

Then the event coming an repeat! Gale wind warning for us tomorrow.

Warnings

Gale Warning Point Danger to Wooli. Strong Wind Warning Wooli to Smoky Cape.

Synoptic Situation

A low over the Coral Sea is producing strong southeasterly winds along the northern NSW coast, and is expected to increase to gale force on the Far North Coast. A high pressure system located near New Zealand extends a ridge over central NSW, while a weak trough lies over the southern coast. Swell increasing during Thursday and Friday, likely breaking dangerously close inshore.

Far North Coastal Waters, Point Danger to Wooli and 60nm seawards:

Gale Warning for Thursday.

Wednesday until midnight: Wind: SE 20/30 knots, increasing to 25/33 knots north of Cape Byron later. Sea: 2 to 3 metres. Swell: E/SE 2 to 3 metres.

Thursday: Wind: SE 25/33 knots, increasing to 34/40 knots during the day. Sea: 2 to 3 metres, rising to 3 to 4 metres in the afternoon. Swell: E/SE 2 to 3 metres, increasing to 3 to 4 metres. Dangerous surf conditions.

Friday Outlook: Wind: SE 30/40 knots, easing overnight. Swell increasing.

Saturday Outlook: Wind: SE/NE 15/20 knots, easing.

GFS has it over 375mm of rain by 7 days period....................isolated falls should pick up around 500mm by end of weekend. The year 2008 picks another wet year like last year ended up 2,063mm annually.

Had few gusty showers here today scored 15mm, mostly from a shower that already passed, the temperature and humidity has increased today maxing 27/22 96%!

Priority

NSW SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

for Damaging Surf

For people in

Northern Rivers and Midnorth Coast.

Issued at 4:10 pm on Wednesday 2 January 2008

Synoptic Situation: 3:00 pm EDT Wednesday

A high near New Zealand extends a ridge along New South Wales coast and a low lies over the Coral Sea. The low will move towards Queensland south coast on Thursday. As a result waves along NSW north coast will increase during Thursday evening and overnight.

Damaging surf conditions are expected to develop Thursday evening/overnight, with waves exceeding 5 metres in the surf zone, are likely to produce significant beach erosion between Tweed Heads and Wooli.

Warning summary at 1615 hours :

Strong wind Warning for coastal waters.

Gale Warning for coastal waters on Thursday.

Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Surf Conditions on Thursday.

For the latest warning information please check the Bureau's web site http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/nsw

Forecast for Wednesday evening

Scattered showers. Moderate to fresh southeast winds, strong on the coast.

Forecast for Thursday

Rain periods, likely increasing overnight. Fresh to strong southeast winds, possibly reaching gale force along the coast later. Dangerous surf conditions.

Lismore: Rain periods. Min: 20 Max: 25

Cape Byron: Rain periods. Min: 21 Max: 24

Grafton: Rain periods. Min: 20 Max: 25

Forecast for Friday

Rain, with moderate to heavy falls possible. Fresh to strong and gusty southeast winds. Dangerous surf conditions.

Lismore: Rain periods. Min: 19 Max: 25

Forecast for Saturday

Rain areas. East to northeast winds. Dangerous surf conditions.

Lismore: Showers. Min: 20 Max: 27

Forecast for Sunday

Scattered showers. Light winds.

Lismore: A few showers. Min: 21 Max: 27

Continues........

[Supercell Hunters]

Strong gales and flash flooding rains here now, solid rainbands on radar here: http://mirror.bom.gov.au/products/IDR662.l...range=true#skip

Note that: I am located on the 'river icon' south of Ballina on the bottom of the map;)

Winds and rain are likely to increase overnight to reach storm forces and locally flash flooding.

More report later.

[Supercell Hunters]

Priority

NSW SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

for Locally Damaging Winds, Damaging Surf, Flash Flooding

For people in

Northern Rivers and Midnorth Coast,

Issued at 11:00 am on Thursday 3 January 2008

Synoptic Situation: 9:00 am EDT Thursday

A complex low over the Coral Sea is expected to move west towards the Queensland coast during the day. Steady rain, heavy at times, over the area is expected to continue during the next twenty four hours. Winds are also increasing, with the exact strengths dependent on the location and strength of the low.

This is an update of the warning issued at 4:10 pm Thursday

Winds may average over 65 km/h with peak wind gusts in excess of 90km/h along the coastal fringe north of Yamba this afternoon and overnight.

Continuing rain over the Northern Rivers region is likely to lead to local flooding.

Damaging surf conditions, with waves exceeding 5 metres in the surf zone, are likely to produce significant beach erosion between Tweed Heads and Smoky Cape later today and overnight.

[Supercell Hunters]

Very dangerous wild weather conditions here now, some wind gusts reaching 90km/hr while Ballina Coastguard clocked 100km/hr mark! Scored over 67mm of rain since 9am and not even 12 hours pass yet!

Warnings

Gale Warning Point Danger to Seal Rocks. Strong Wind Warning Seal Rocks to Broken Bay.

Synoptic Situation

A complex low over the Coral Sea is intensifying and moving west towards the Queensland coast. It is expected to move south tomorrow before weakening on Saturday. A high pressure system located near New Zealand extends a ridge over central NSW, while a weak trough lies over the southern coast. Swell increasing tonight and tomorrow, and breaking dangerously close inshore north from Metro coast to Far North coast.

UPDATED

Far North Coastal Waters, Point Danger to Wooli and 60nm seawards:

Gale Warning.

Thursday until midnight: Wind: SE 25/35 knots, increasing to 35/45 knots at times, mainly offshore. Sea: 2.5 to 3.5 metres, rising to 4 to 5 metres. Swell: E/SE to 4 metres.

Friday: Wind: SE 30/40 knots, easing to 20/30 knots later in the day. Sea: 3 to 4 metres abating 2 to 3 metres. Swell: E/SE 3 to 3.5 metres.

Priority

NSW SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

for Locally Damaging Winds, Damaging Surf, Flash Flooding

For people in

Northern Rivers and Midnorth Coast,

Issued at 4:30 pm on Thursday 3 January 2008

Synoptic Situation: 3:00 pm EDT Thursday

A complex low over the Coral Sea is moving west towards the Queensland coast and will move southwards tomorrow. Steady rain, heavy at times, over the Northern Rivers area and northern Mid North Coast is expected to gradually move further southwards continue during the next twenty four hours.

This is an update of the warning issued at 11am today.

Winds may average over 65 km/h with peak wind gusts in excess of 90km/h along the coastal fringe north of Yamba this afternoon and overnight.

Rain over the Northern Rivers region is likely to lead to local flooding. A Flood warning jas b een issued for the Wilsons River at Lismore.

Damaging surf conditions, with waves exceeding 5 metres in the surf zone, are likely to produce significant beach erosion between Tweed Heads and Smoky Cape later today and overnight, with these conditions extending to Seal Rocks during Friday..

FLOOD WATCH

FOR the RICHMOND WILSONS VALLEY

Issued at 1618 on Thursday the 3rd of January 2008

Note: This Flood Watch is a "heads up" for possible future flooding and is NOT a Flood Warning [see note below]

A complex low over the Coral Sea is expected to move west towards the Queensland coast today bringing moderate to heavy rain to the NSW North Coast during Thursday night and Friday.

At this stage minor to moderate flooding is expected in the Wilsons River catchment and minor flooding along the Lower Richmond River at Coraki and downstream.

A Severe Weather Warning for local flooding is current for the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast areas.

This Flood Watch will be reviewed at 10 am Friday 4/1/2008.

MINOR TO MODERATE FLOOD WARNING

For the Wilsons River at Lismore

Issued at 4:16pm on Thursday the 3rd of January 2008

Flood Warning Number : 1

Up to 150 millimetres of rain has fallen during the past 48 hours to 3 pm Thursday [3/1/2008]. Further heavy rainfall is expected over night which will result in minor and, possibly, moderate flooding at Lismore during Friday.

At this stage it is not possible to predict the flood peak because of uncertainty over how much more rain will fall.

For emergency assistance contact the

NSW State Emergency Service on telephone number 13 2500.

FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au

River Height Predictions

Lismore - exceed minor flood level [4.2metres AHD] Friday [4/1/2008]

morning - probably around 6am to 9am

- reach moderate flood level [7.2 metres AHD] Friday afternoon

or evening with further predicted heavy rainfall over the

next 24 hours

- further rises are possible if recorded rainfalls are heavier

than predicted

River heights on Thu 03/01/2008 were:

RICHMOND R AT WIANGAREE 3.46m steady at 136pm Thu 03/01/08

RICHMOND R AT KYOGLE 5.80m steady at 129pm Thu 03/01/08

RICHMOND R AT CASINO [DNR] 5.48m steady at 130pm Thu 03/01/08

EDEN CK AT DOUBTFUL 3.73m falling at 115pm Thu 03/01/08

SHANNON BROOK AT YORKLEA 3.15m steady at 136pm Thu 03/01/08

LEYCESTER CK AT ROCK VALLEY 2.51m steady at 405pm Thu 03/01/08

GOOLMANGAR CK AT NIMBIN 5.31m steady at 405pm Thu 03/01/08

BACK CK AT BENTLEY 4.00m steady at 403pm Thu 03/01/08

TERANIA CK AT THE CHANNON 5.41m falling at 408pm Thu 03/01/08

COOPERS CK AT REPENTANCE 3.18m falling at 409pm Thu 03/01/08

WILSONS R AT NASHUA 1.59m steady at 359pm Thu 03/01/08

COOPERS CK AT CORNDALE 2.89m rising at 408pm Thu 03/01/08

WILSONS R AT ELTHAM 3.97m rising at 408pm Thu 03/01/08

WILSONS R AT WOODLAWN [m AHD] 2.32m rising at 403pm Thu 03/01/08

LEYCESTER CK AT TUNCESTER [m AHD] 2.40m steady at 405pm Thu 03/01/08

WILSONS R AT LISMORE [m AHD] 1.93m steady at 407pm Thu 03/01/08

RICHMOND R AT CORAKI 1.89m steady at 245pm Thu 03/01/08

MYRTLE CK AT RAPPVILLE 0.19m steady at 145pm Thu 03/01/08

RICHMOND R AT BUNGAWALBYN 1.78m rising at 245pm Thu 03/01/08

RICHMOND RIVER AT WOODBURN 1.41m steady at 245pm Thu 03/01/08

Looking serious for next flooding event under strong gale forces winds, even gusting whack at 100kilometers per hour! Tonight would be horrifying hearing horror of howling gales and rain on our roofs!

[Supercell Hunters]

Northern Rivers on flood watch

04.01.2008

By ANDY PARKS

LISMORE State Emergency Service unit controller Lindsay Matterson was yesterday preparing for a flood.

Were just watching everything at the moment, he said.

At 5pm yesterday, the SES updated its warning for residents to prepare for minor to moderate flooding of the Wilsons River at Lismore.

Minor flooding is also predicted for the Lower Richmond River at Coraki and further downstream.

In a minor flood, water levels rise 4.2 to 7.2 metres. A moderate flood is 7.2 to 9.7 metres, while a major flood sees water top 9.7 metres.

When the Wilsons River rises to 5.

1m, water starts to cover Simes Bridge. When it reaches 6.63m, Woodlawn Road is cut at the railway underpass and Alexandra Parade on the southern edge of Lismore Showground is cut off.

About 150mm of rain had fallen in the Lismore area in the 48 hours to 3pm yesterday, and further heavy rainfall was expected last night.

It generally takes about 10 hours for water to travel from Nimbin to Lismore, Mr Matterson said.

The latest figures he was able to give The Northern Star when we visited at 2.30pm yesterday revealed that Leycester Creek at Nimbin had risen by about two metres in just over two hours.

We wont see that water reach Lismore until much later tonight, he said.

It is the first time the Lismore SES has been on flood watch since moving to its new headquarters at Brunswick Street in June.

Its the first time we havent had to think about getting out of our headquarters first, Mr Matterson said.

In the sheds out back, SES volunteers were readying boats and trailers.

Melinda Rosewarne, who has been a volunteer for about four years, was packing silicon, tarpaulins, ropes, lights and other supplies into a trailer.

Weve got three boats and a small punt on standby, she said. Theres a lot of people hanging around ... its quite exciting.

Ms Rosewarne had already%taken sandbags to a house in%Goonellabah where water had%entered and was flowing through a bedroom.

http://www.northernstar.com.au/localnews/s...condsubsection=

Family stranded in empty home

04.01.2008

By RACHEL AFFLICK

SHANNON and Stephanie George saw all their furniture leave on a removal truck to Brisbane before flood waters closed in on their Upper Wilsons Creek home, stranding them.

The Georges, along with their baby daughter Maya, 16 months, were in the process of moving to Queensland on New Years Eve when the rain began to fall.

The removalists rang and said they were able to get through but the truck was actually moving sideways as it crossed the crossing, Stephanie said.

By the time we wanted to leave it was too late.

Since Monday theyve been stuck in an empty house with no beds, no fridge and very little food.

Theyve been sleeping on the floor on blankets, with Maya on a baby couch, and the only things left in their bare living room are a television and heater.

The worst part of it is they have no way of knowing when the water will go down enough to allow their vehicle though.

Shannon starts a new job on Monday, near Toowoomba. We dont know whats going to happen, Stephanie said.

We keep expecting the creek to go down but then it starts raining again. It seems to be getting heavier.

To get out, we need to pass four crossings. At least one of them is knee-high.

The family ran out of baby formula on Wednesday and, with no hope of getting the car over the crossings, Stephanie walked 1.5 kilometres to the local shop, where she was able to top up on supplies.

But by yesterday morning Stephanie said even walking out would have been impossible.

Stephanie, who has lived at Wilsons Creek since 2000, said flooding was a regular part of life.

But because they were moving, and without supplies, it was particularly problematic this time.

We were saying if we actually still had a fridge and werent moving it would be fine, Stephanie said.

We already chucked out everything in the fridge.

Yesterday morning Wilsons Creek received 75 millimetres of rain, according to local rain gauge readers.

It is not the only spot in the Byron Shire that copped a soaking.

Byron Shire Council yesterday used an excavator to open up Belongil Creek amid fears the rising creek could flood the township of Byron Bay.

Byron Shire Councils Acting Director of Asset Management Services Michael King said so far the rainfall had been regular, but not heavy enough to cause significant problems.

But if a big storm were to come in, the town could be in strife.

We are continuing to monitor the situation closely, Mr King said.

The council had been dealing with a few fallen trees and branches over roads, but as of yesterday no major roads had flooded.

http://www.northernstar.com.au/localnews/s...condsubsection=

Lousy weather, but Byrons shops are booming

04.01.2008

By RACHEL AFFLICK

FIVE kilograms of coffee, 25 litres of orange juice and 60 trays of eggs and thats just in one day.

With rain pouring down outside, it has been raining money for businesses such as Why Not Cafe/Restaurant in Byron Bay.

Co-owner Jules Devlin said the wet, windy weather was getting holiday-makers off the beaches and into local shops and cafes.

Mr Devlin said the Christmas New Year period was always busy; but now it was even more hectic.

He said, although the wild weather was a shame for families who had come to Byron Bay for a beach holiday, the rain had at least been good for selling coffee.

A lot of people just want somewhere to escape the weather, Mr Devlin said.

You dont get more lunches or dinners as such, but you do get more coffee.

However, the wet weather isnt all good news for cafe and restaurant owners, with the gloomy weather producing a downturn in night-time trading.

On a nice night you tend to get people walking in the street wholl stop for a meal or drink, Mr Devlin said.

Its been quiet. Everyones staying indoors.

http://www.northernstar.com.au/localnews/s...condsubsection=

Love living by the river, even as the waters rise

04.01.2008

By ANDY PARKS

GERALDINE BIGELOW and Matt Faragher say their house overlooking Leycester Creek is on the highest point in South Lismore.

It ends up being like an island, said Geraldine, adding that the river had come up by about four and half metres in the past two days.

The couple, who have lived in the house for two years, say they havent experienced a flood in Lismore before, but are bracing themselves for the possibility.

Geraldine is an artist and has her studio under the house.

Theres not a lot to move, but wed have to take all my stuff upstairs and turn the spare bedroom into a studio and storage space for a while, she said.

Were actually quite spoiled for space here.

In the 1974 flood it apparently came up to about a foot from the floor level and flooded underneath the house.

Geraldine said they had moved from the coast and loved living by the river.

We swim in it nearly every day and use the boat and canoes all the time. Weve seen how the tributaries are clogged with weeds, she said.

This river is so under utilised. It only ever features when it threatens us, but I think Lismore should be turned into a New Orleans-style river town with cafes and river cruises.

Geraldine said she had been looking at the Bureau of Meteorology website to see the long range predictions.

It looks like being wet for a while yet, up until at least the end of March, she said.

The Bureau said cooling across the equatorial Pacific, in association with La Niña, meant there was a 65 per cent chance of higher than average rainfall expected for the region until April.

Apart from getting her artwork upstairs, Geraldines main concern was her garden.

If it keeps raining like this, everything will rot, she said.

http://www.northernstar.com.au/localnews/s...condsubsection=

Had over 164.5mm of rain since 9am yesterday, thoroughfully next rain blob is now coming this way to add over 200mm of rain, had nice wind gusts over 95kilometers per hour with some minor blackouts locally but not on Ballina Island. Bad weather just continues....

[Cookie]

this may intrest you mate.

http://www.netweather.tv/forum/index.php?s...p;#entry1156208

[Supercell Hunters]

Yes i have been watch the TC Helen past few days, nothing special so far anyways.

Well well.........over 375mm of rain so far this month/year from these last longing flooding rains and severe gales. Top gust was 100.6km/hr! Anyways new event has started, going for afternoon severe storms with flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones.

http://mirror.bom.gov.au/products/IDR662.l...range=true#skip

Storms already fired up over the northwest region heading towards northeast corner.

Very extremely hot and humid here.

Temp: 28.3

Dewpoint: 23.7

Humidity: 81%

Feels like: 31.7

Wind: Northeast at 15km/hr

Bring it on storms!

PS: We are up to 27 storms this season so far.

[Supercell Hunters]

Had nice thundercell with nice rain periods this arvo, scored 11mm gently lol. More severe storms coming now with solid black core in the west moving east towards coast, going to experience some more serious flooding. Corndale had 33mm of rain in 30mins whilst bridge collaspe there and even more serious flooding at Tweed River between Murwillumbah and Chinderah that closed Tweed Valley Road.

Bring it on rains and storms!

[Supercell Hunters]

Total of 14mm yesterday, added 3mm from late shower. Anyways today storm potential continued!!! Going for flash flooding and risk of large hail for thundercells. Its very hot and sticky again as repeated since yesterday. Few photos will be uploaded soon for yesterday nice high moisture looking clouds and mammatus.

Bring it on storms for today!

[Supercell Hunters]

Few nice heat convective showers coming pass by, only 1.7mm since 9am so far. More to come with temperature of 27 degrees with humidity of 88%.