A severe storm has caused widespread damage, with ceilings collapsing in several businesses and flash flooding affecting streets and homes in Morayfield.
Storm Causes Structural Damage
The wild storm, which struck on the evening of 9 October, caused ceilings at a Woolworths supermarket and a martial arts gym to collapse. Heavy rain caused the roofs to give way, flooding both businesses and causing closures and significant damage. Luckily, no one was seriously injured during the incidents.
At the Red Dragon Martial Arts centre in Morayfield, water burst through the ceiling during a class, prompting teachers and supervisors to evacuate families and students to safety quickly. Woolworths, located at the Supa Centre, also faced a similar issue, with panels falling from the ceiling and water surging through the store. Both businesses remain closed while assessments of the damage are being carried out.
Hail and Flash Flooding Add to Chaos
In addition to structural damage, the storm left Morayfield streets looking like a snowstorm had hit them as piles of hail accumulated. Roads were covered in large chunks of ice, and motorists faced dangerous conditions as the hail melted and mixed with rainwater, creating flash flooding across the area.
Flash flooding also affected parts of the Gold Coast, where over 100 millimetres of rain fell in just an hour. In some parts of Brisbane, more than 160 millimetres of rain was recorded, further complicating the clean-up efforts and contributing to traffic delays.
Delayed Alerts Anger Residents
Residents in Morayfield expressed frustration over delayed storm alerts, which left many feeling unprepared for the sudden downpour and hailstorm. A technical issue with the MoretonAlert system caused warnings to be delivered five hours late, with many residents only realising the severity of the storm when they saw the darkening skies.
The City of Moreton Bay is currently investigating the issue, stating that the alert system, which a third-party contractor manages, failed to send out timely warnings. Local politicians have raised concerns about the failure, calling for improvements to ensure residents receive timely alerts in future storms.
Traffic Disruptions and Power Outages
The storm also caused significant disruptions to traffic, with major delays reported across Brisbane due to flooded roads and power outages affecting traffic lights. Some areas faced up to 35-minute delays during peak hour, as the rain continued into Thursday morning.
Approximately 7,000 homes lost power, including nearly 3,000 in Morayfield. Emergency services responded to more than 90 calls for assistance, most of which related to structural damage and tarping.
As the clean-up continues, more rain is expected in the coming days, making recovery efforts challenging for businesses and residents alike. Local authorities are urging residents to stay safe and avoid flooded areas.
Published 10-Oct-2024
