Queensland weather: La Nina official as storms roll in
THE Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of Queensland, with beaches closed and major delays to public transport.
It comes as weather experts confirm that Queensland and the tropical Pacific region are now in a La Niña.
Climate modelling by the bureau shows the La Niña - or "cooling event" will be weak and short-lived, lasting until early autumn next year.
A La Nina event will bring with it lower daytime temperatures, heavy rainfall and increased risk of flooding.
BoM said damaging winds and large hailstones are possible in parts of Capricornia and Wide Bay and Burnett Forecast Districts, including Bundaberg and Town Of 1770.
This storm at Mooloolaba hit so fast, I’m now stuck in a beachside toilet waiting for it to pass. From first drop to pelting in less than 5 minutes.@the_daily pic.twitter.com/mHknLsf51v
— Owen Jacques (@Owenjay) December 5, 2017
Queensland Rail said trains were suspended both ways on the Sunshine Coast line between Caboolture and Nambour.
Technicians are on the scene clearing debris but major delays are still expected.
Surf Life Saving Queensland has also closed beaches on the Sunshine Coast as the storm rolls in.
BoM also has a series of marine wind and flood warnings current for rivers including the Barrum and Cherwell river catchments, the Mary River, Maroochy and Noosa rivers, Paroo River, and for coastal catchments between Sarina and Brisbane.
