Some described the lunchtime deluge of rain that hit Stanthorpe on December 31 as "cyclonic" as countless others were thanking their lucky stars simply to be inside.
Many local businesses were forced to close early and manage the deluge, Gracious Giving owner Debbie-Ann Wilmot telling us the forewarned but unknown quantity of water that hit Maryland Street was problematic for business owners, locals and travellers alike.
"The water just bucketed down so quickly," she told us. "A customer said, 'Quick, come and bring your racks in,' and by the time we did, the water was lapping at the door. It got into the clothing side, but luckily it dammed where our stage is for our window. We had towels soaking up all the leaks and front door."
The Groove 'n' Grill Diner opposite was significantly impacted by 70mls of rainwater arriving through their rear entry, the outlet needing to close temporarily due to water in their dry store, kitchen and dining area. Their team described the impact as "going out with a bang" for 2024.
Lunchtime sirens heralded the assistance needed at the Blue Care Ardmore Retirement Village on Day St, Stanthorpe where 10 residents are moved following water logging of the premises. All were reportedly in good hands and safe.
It has been reported that the downpour was part of a major slow-moving supercell which brought more than 150mm to the South Burnett.
The South Burnett region had 43 SES call-outs and emergency services responded to 10 calls for assistance in Toowoomba.
Southern Downs Regional Council had posted that "a surface trough in a moist and unstable airmass" was to bring severe thunderstorms in the southeastern quarter in the lunchtime hours, into the early afternoon of December 31.
The other areas affected beyond Stanthorpe were Warwick, Allora and Clifton.
