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Over the weekend parts of North West Queensland were ravaged by violent storms and flooding. The SES responded to several calls for help during the floods. The local communities all pulled together to see there friends and family through the storms as all Australian communities do in tough times. The storms caused about $4 million worth of damage to public infrastructure in the Cloncurry, McKinlayand Burke local government areas.

The government has activated the disaster relief funding for the effected areas as of today.

Member for Mt Isa Betty Kiernan said that if any residents did suffer personal hardship as a result of the storms and associated flooding, they could apply to the Department of Communities for assistance, on 1800 173 349.

“Personal hardship grants of $165 per person and up to $765 per family may be available for directly impacted residents who have been unable to recover via their own means,” she said.

Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland Regional Office

The Standard Emergency Warning Signal should NOT be used with this message.

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND

for DAMAGING WIND, FLASH FLOODING and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in the
SUNSHINE COAST and parts of the
GYMPIE,
MORETON BAY and
SOMERSET Council Areas.
Issued at 6:15 pm Sunday, 16 November 2008.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 6:05 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near the area southwest of Caloundra and Maleny. These thunderstorms are moving towards the north. They are forecast to affect Maroochydore, Caloundra and waters off Caloundra by 6:35 pm and Noosa Heads, the area southwest of Gympie and the area south of Gympie by 7:05 pm.

Damaging winds, very heavy rainfall, flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.

59mm of rainfall in 1 hour at Morayfiel ending at 6pm.

Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

The next warning is due to be issued by 7:15 pm.

A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Southeast Coast and parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett and Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 219. The Bureau and Emergency Management Queensland would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Click here for the full warning with a radar image