This morning a reported six water spouts formed menacingly off the coastline between Bargara and Coral Cove.
As the largest approached the Innes Park/Coral Cove area it reduced in intensity and crossed the the coast as only a heavily concentrated rain event with moderate winds of about 15 – 20 knots.
Four others fell apart over the ocean however one very small water spout hit Nielson Park scaring a number of bathers and removing several tiles off the roof of the Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club. An umbrella at the nearby caravan park was also lost. The crew at the BSLSC quickly replaced a number of tiles and covered the remaining hole in the roof with a temporary tarp.
As a significant storm system travels down the coast from the Rockhampton area the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) has triggered the ‘Lean Forward’ Status which is basically a heightened ‘watch and monitor’ position.
The presence of so many tornados/water spouts within a month is a cause for concern and I’m certainly no expert on what climatic conditions have caused them. Unfortunately though and given the Australia Day experiences, there are many people who are stressing quite badly over the incoming weather.
Can I suggest that as a simple precaution, everyone review the emergency preparation advices available on:
Council’s website here: http://www.bundaberg.disasterhub.com.au/ or
the State Government’s site here: http://www.emergency.qld.gov.au/info/SEQldContacts.html
Social media sites are great but please don’t rely solely on them for accurate advice. The local radio stations are well placed and trained to keep you up to date with all official information and advice and they should be your first point of reference.
Please feel free to call me if you have any concerns – my mobile number is 0488 539 123