Overview
Areas of northeast NSW and southeast Queensland are experiencing major coastal erosion and flooding as a result of heavy rain and wind in the area over the past four days. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings for heavy rain, damaging winds, abnormally high tides and dangerous surf for the coastal area.
Numerous flood warnings have been issued for the north coast, with some areas evacuated and 31 government schools currently closed.
Rainfall on Monday, December 15 topped 100–200 millimetres in several areas including Eungela, which experienced 218 millimetres, and Springbrook, which lies just inland of the Gold Coast, and has been hit with 967 millimetres of rain over the last week.
The Bureau of Meteorology also warned of major coastal erosion in northeast NSW and southeast Queensland due to "large waves in excess of eight metres and gale-force winds".
Images and footage from Byron Bay beaches show destruction to the sandbanks and surrounding vegetation as a result of the heavy tides and coastal erosion. While the tides have now receded, some are reporting that more than two metres of sand have been washed away from Main Beach.
It's not the first time this year the famous beach has been hit by coastal erosion, either — back in late October, it was closed to swimmers and surfers to allow for emergency sandbagging.
The heavy rain and strong winds began on Friday, December 11, with the Queensland Fire and Emergency services receiving more than 1400 requests for emergency assistance since 6pm on Saturday, December 12. Emergency services are advising people to stay up to date as new information comes through and to take precautions including not to drive, ride or walk through floodwater and to keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
Stay up to date on the situation via the Bureau of Meteorology Australia, NSW and Queensland.