UPDATE: CROC SIGHTINGS
One if the hazards of floodwaters in Queensland is the odd crocodile who makes his way into town. My favourite sighting was several years back when a man stepped off his back porch into knee-deep floodwater (because his dog was barking) only to come face to face with a very large and hungry-looking croc.
This years Mud Army needs also to take care as the crocs are restless and can be swimming in the waters where the crews are attempting clean up efforts. I hope they all have sturdy boots!
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Queensland is one of six states and two territories which comprise Australia, occupying the northeast corner (roughly similar to the U.S. from Georgia to New York).
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has a website full of information regarding Queensland weather, including analysis of recent weather patterns and future forecasts. Take a good look at the satellite overlay of rain patterns in this link – the entire outline represents the state of Queensland. The recent flooding occurred in Southeast Qld – where I live.
With that picture in mind, here is a weather map of SE Qld showing the city names and areas – along with current weather patterns.
And finally, a link to a Brisbane Times article with Brisbane flood maps and a video of the amazing rescue of a toddler and his mum stranded in the back of a ute (utility truck – or as we Yanks call it – a pick-up) in the midst of flood waters.
We had another big storm blow through last night – not enough to wake spouse, but enough to flood the laundry room for a second time!
Australia’s monsoon season normally begins in December and lasts through March – but it has been a much tamer event in the past. Changing weather is going to affect everyone, everywhere and those who continue to bury their heads in the sand and deny global warming are in for a rather rude awakening.
I’ve been visiting the Mud Army’s Facebook page and find it pretty interesting how they pull events together and have incorporated donations for food to help feed all the volunteers. The address again is: The Qld Mud Army
Mrs. Gunka – hope this was enough of an answer – Oz
February 3, 2013 at 3:41 pm
Bless your heart!! Thanks Ozmud! I will now go back and take a real close look at the weather maps. I love maps. Though only there twice….first time a 4 hour stop-over on our way to Fiji and our return trip with 4 days to get a pass on our daughter-in-law’s flight pass. There was a LGBT celebration going on over on Manly Island and the flight’s were booked! We had time to enjoy Sydney but couldn’t go very far as we had to be available when seats opened. It was the end of January and very hot with rain everyday. We took a walking tour of the Botanical gardens and around the Opera House and shopping! Things were scheduled inside the OH so we couldn’t go inside. Darn! Got some beautiful pictures and met some wonderful people! Wish we could have seen more of your country.
I am scared to death of hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. My daughter did not tell me a Typhoon had just gone through Fiji before we got there and we saw on the Telly that one was headed for Australia from the Northwest the morning we were leaving. Must say we had good tail-winds and made real good time coming home. We arrived here during a nasty storm and the plane almost slid off the runway! We followed a snow plow coming down the mountain the day we left! 7 years later it is 55 F (10C) so it doesn’t sound half as enticing to fly off down under to the floods today!
It was the last International trip we took. Today my dear husband is under the care of Hospice and I seldom get away from the house. So happy we had the pleasure of visiting when we did. I call it my trip to Paradise….Australia/Fiji. I will never forget it.
When our daughter called and asked if we would like to take care of the kids while she went to Fiji, I said “Hell no! I want to go too!” MrG had been so sick with cancer for 3 years and was finally in remission. This was just what the doctor ordered! I’m so glad we had the opportunity to see what we did. If I ever get the chance to go back, I will be on that plane. I will study the maps and watch the weather….won’t come during “hurricane” season this time!
And would love to come visit you! Don’t hold your breath, I said if I ever get the chance! Our D-I-L flies the Orient and Australia all the time. She brings me back Barocca all the time. It’s what the flight attendants use for jet-lag. It really works and has helped me get my strength back from chemo and radiation. Can’t get it here. Now I will go and study the maps! Thanks again! Be careful of those crocs!
February 4, 2013 at 3:15 am
If you ever make it back here Mrs. G – I just happen to have an extra bed
February 4, 2013 at 12:04 pm
Sounds very enticing, indeed. Wouldn’t that be fun!
February 8, 2013 at 3:14 am
I hope all the flooding has receded and things will be calm now. Can’t believe some still don’t believe we have climate change! Everyday we hear about weather catastrophes all over the globe. Our drought continues so will probably have more disastrous fires next summer. Hope Spring approaching will bring us a super heavy, wet Spring snow that soaks into the ground and replenishes our water tables. They still haven’t repaired all the damage from Katrina and Sandy repair is slowly starting. We have to stop fighting wars and fix our own countries while we still can! Thanks again for the maps!