Fallout of 'bomb cyclone' sees strong winds batter parts of Queensland

Australia Broadcast Center

8 hours ago

Severe winds have hit parts of south-east Queensland as part of the same system that has delivered a "bomb cyclone" and flash flooding to parts of New South Wales.
While the Sunshine State has been spared the worst of the deep coastal low, powerful winds whipped up along the Main Range, Granite Belt and Scenic Rim overnight and could persist until Thursday.
Daniel Hayes from the Bureau of Meteorology said while conditions were very different in Queensland compared to what was happening further south, it was all part of the same weather phenomenon.
"It's the same rapidly intensifying low-pressure system," he said.
Mr Hayes said the combination of the low over New South Wales and a high-pressure ridge over Queensland and central Australia was to blame.
"The pressure gradient is getting quite tight between that deepening low-pressure system and the high-pressure system that's strengthening over Queensland," he said.
"So, it's the interaction between those two systems that's driving this quite strong west to south-westerly flow."
Unlike in New South Wales, it is bringing cold but dry conditions to much of the state.
"[The low-pressure system] has pulled away a lot of the moisture that was through south-east Queensland until Monday evening.
The BOM said areas around Stanthorpe, Springbrook and Crows Nest were likely to see the worst of the winds and was able to give residents advanced warning of what was to come.
Ava Phillips, who works in Springbrook, inland of the Gold Coast, said while the mountain village was well accustomed to severe weather, time to prepare was very welcome.
"Whenever we get these huge storms, it can take out power to the shop and then if we don't have enough fuel for the generator, we can lose product, on top of having to close and not having customers come in.
"It's making sure you have fuel for your generators, making sure you have long-life food and making sure you have a way to contact neighbours when the phone lines go down, to make contact and make people feel safe."
Brisbane Airport said while conditions over the airport had remained fine for flying, seven flights between Sydney and Brisbane and five between Melbourne and Brisbane were cancelled on Tuesday due to the severe weather over New South Wales.
Travellers are advised to stay alert for updates from their airlines this morning as the severe weather persists.
Mr Hayes said it would remain windy across large parts of south-east Queensland until the low-pressure system moved away from the New South Wales coast and out to sea, which could take until Thursday.
He said damaging winds of between 55 and 65kph were possible until that time.
"Unnecessary travel — it's probably a good thing to avoid if you can."