By Vanessa Hall 

LAST week’s deluge across the Sunshine Coast has delivered a timely reminder of how quickly severe weather can disrupt daily life, with residents urged to prepare now for the approaching summer storm season.

According to Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) figures, a staggering 367.8mm of rain was recorded at Sunshine Coast Airport across the eight daily rainfall readings from Monday, October 19 to Monday, October 26.

The heaviest falls included 84.8mm recorded on Friday, October 23, and 79.6mm on Sunday, October 25 – figures are measured over the 24 hours to 9am each day.

The downpours caused widespread flooding across South East Queensland, with more than 140 roads across the Sunshine Coast listed as closed at one stage on Thursday, October 22.

The BOM issued flood warnings for several waterways, with minor flooding along the Maroochy and Mooloolah rivers and minor to moderate flooding along Coochin Creek.

Further south, the Caboolture region was particularly hard hit, with some areas recording more than 200mm in just a matter of hours.

While the rain may have eased, the message from emergency authorities remains clear – preparation is essential, and when it comes to flooded roads, “if it’s flooded, forget it”.

The recent weather follows the launch of Queensland’s annual Get Ready Week campaign, with Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie encouraging residents to prepare their homes and families for severe weather.

“Living on the Sunshine Coast, we enjoy an incredible lifestyle, but we also know our region is no stranger to severe weather and natural hazards,” Mayor Natoli said.

“Whether it’s storms, flooding, bushfires, cyclones or heatwaves, these events can happen quickly and have a significant impact on our homes, businesses and daily lives.”

Locals in the Coolum region only have to look back to November last year when a fierce storm lashed the area and caused widespread damage – bringing down trees, damaging properties and leaving roads, including David Low Way, strewn with debris.

Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said taking simple precautions before severe weather strikes could make a significant difference.

“Preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow,” Mayor Wilkie said.
“Knowing whether your home is at risk of flooding, having a plan for your family and ensuring essential items are ready to go can help you act quickly and confidently when conditions change.”

Residents are encouraged to clear gutters and drains, secure loose outdoor items, check their insurance coverage and prepare an emergency kit containing essential supplies, medications, torches and important documents.

Families should also discuss what they would do if severe weather threatened their home, including evacuation arrangements and plans for pets.

Motorists are reminded never to attempt to cross flooded roads, regardless of how familiar the route may be.

BE PREPARED:  
Visit Get Ready Queensland for practical advice and emergency planning resources. Residents can also monitor road closures and local warnings through the Sunshine Coast Council Disaster Hub or Noosa Council’s disaster dashboard.

For emergency assistance during extreme weather, contact the SES on 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000).