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SIGNIFICANT WEATHER - SEPTEMBER 1998
Many locations in Queensland and New South Wales recorded record September rainfall totals. Thunderstorms in several states were associated with damaging wind gusts, tornadoes and flash flooding. At some locations in Western Australia and Northern Territory, highest daily temperatures for September were recorded. Significant flooding occurred in parts of New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania.
Victoria On the 15th gales and severe gusts occurred in southern and mountain districts. Frankston AWS recorded a gust to 96 km/h. A marquee was blown over at Phillip Island. On the 23rd local flash flooding was reported in the North Central district. At Seymour, 45mm of rain was recorded in 1 hour. Early morning severe storms occurred in the Western District. At Kawarren near Colac, wind damage was reported and heavy rainfall was recorded.
South Australia Strong winds, possibly a tornado cut a swathe across Cannawigara, Bordertown and Wolseley regions of the Upper Southeast during the afternoon of the 22nd. A minor tornado caused damage to trees near Meadows, south of Adelaide on the evening of the 22nd. Also on the same day Mintaro (near Clare) and Lower Light (north of Adelaide) suffered some damage from strong winds during the evening of the 22nd. Northern Territory Squall lines produced 82km/h gusts at Giles and 83 km/h gusts at Yulara on the 21st. Western Australia Strong to gale force winds buffeted the parts of the lower Southwest between the 1st and 3rd as an intense low pressure system moved across the ocean near the south coast. Minor damage was sustained to some buildings and electricity supplies were interrupted as falling trees and limbs broke power lines. Swanbourne registered a wind gust of 128 km/h, and a number of other west coast sites experienced winds of more than 90 km/h. The high winds extended into the agricultural areas and notable gusts were recorded at Esperance 98 km/h, Cunderdin 80 km/h and Newdegate 70 km/h. On the 21st scattered thunderstorms with hail passed over metropolitan Perth during the passage of an active cold front. Wind gusts in excess of 90 km/h were experienced near parts of the lower west and south coast. Cape Leeuwin registered a gust to 98 km/h. In the agricultural areas Cunderdin was buffeted by winds to 69 km/h, and Esperance reported gusts of 76 km/h the following day. Falling branches and trees interrupted power supplies to some areas. A strong thunderstorm in the Kununurra area produced wind gusts to 81km/h and 18 mm of rain in 16 minutes at the airport. Crops at local plantations sustained some damage. On the 26th and 27th the lower west and south coastal areas experienced gales and squalls as a deep low moved to the south of the state. The central pressure of the low was around 986 hPa. Cape Leeuwin registered gusts to 106 km/h and other west coast localities registered gusts in excess of 80 km/h. On the 26th a tornado developed during the passage of a cold front. Damage along a trail that extended from the west measured approximately 400 metres long and 50 metres wide in parts of north-east suburban Perth (Stratton). About 2 dozen homes suffered minor damage to roofing, and fences and garden sheds were blown down. Large branches were blown off trees. Wind gusts during the tornado were estimated to have reached 130 - 150 km/h.
New South Wales On the 12th at Leeton (Riverina) 38mm of rain fell in 45 minutes. On the 19th at Young (Southwest Slopes) wind gusts to 89 km/h were recorded. Many trees were uprooted and two sheds lost roofs. South Australia Isolated thunderstorms and squalls crossed the state on the 4th. The forty minute storm hit the metropolitan coast about 6.30pm then swept across the suburbs and into the hills. A spate of accidents due to slippery conditions were reported. Thunderstorms associated with a slow moving frontal system which crossed the state between the 21st to 23rd affected most districts. A lightning strike on the evening of the 22nd blew half the roof off a house at Roseworthy, north of Adelaide. Other strikes caused damage to trees in the northern suburbs. Parts of the Yorke Peninsula were affected by the storm of the 22nd causing minor flash flooding and mild to extensive damage to crops and property estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Hail 2cm in diameter fell at Cook on the Nullarbor Plain, in South Australia's far west during the afternoon of the 21st. During the evening of the 22nd large hail 2-5cm in diameter damaged properties at Windsor and Dublin north of Adelaide, northern suburbs and in the Adelaide Hills. Most hail damage occurred north of Adelaide. Extensive damage was caused by hail to the market garden area of Virginia. Automobiles on display at three northern suburbs car yards suffered extensive hail damage. Cost estimations of the damage to 2,400 ha of crops and 2,000 glasshouses is 60 million dollars.
Western Australia Large bushfires burnt in excess of 600 000 hectares of the West Kimberley between the 27th of August and the 9th of September. The general area stretched from Yeeda station (to the south of Derby) across to Brooking Springs station (west of Fitzroy Crossing).
Western Australia During the night of the 21st snow fell on the Stirling Range (southwest Western Australia) as an active cold front moved across the region. Significant frosts occurred in parts of the central and southern agricultural districts on several days between the 19th and 23rd when overnight temperatures fell to around freezing. Minimum air temperatures tended to be the lowest on the 23rd with -2 C recorded at Hyden, Lake Grace and Newdegate. The same morning York registered a terrestrial minimum of -6 C. Farmers in the area reported frost damage to barley, canola, lupin and wheat crops.
Queensland Flood warnings were current at the beginning of the month in the Fitzroy River Basin, Haughton River, Condamine-Balonne River, Border Rivers and Moonie River. Subsequent flood producing rainfall events occurred during September in some of these catchments and also in the Mary River. New South Wales Lachlan: 25 warnings were issued covering minor to moderate flooding along the Lachlan River extending from Jemalong through to Booligal Weir. Macquarie: 7 warnings issued. Minor flooding continued at Warren in the first week of the month following rains which occurred in August. A second event occurred in the second week of the month causing additional minor flooding around Warren. Bogan: 21 flood warnings were issued for moderate flooding in the Bogan River around Mudall, Nyngan and Mulgawarina. Gwydir: 11 warnings were issued in the first week of the month for moderate to major flooding around Gravesend, Pallamallawa and Yarraman Bridge. Copeton Dam filled to capacity in early September and spilled following additional rainfall around the middle of the month. 6 additional warnings were issued for minor flooding downstream of the dam. Naomi: 24 flood warnings issued during the month. Moderate to major flooding occurred between Tamworth through to Goangra during the first week of the month. The flooding around Tamworth and Gunnedah was the highest in around 10 years. Macintyre: 21 flood warnings were issued covering minor flooding along the Macintyre River in early and middle September around Ashford, Yetman and Bogabilla. Darling: 25 flood warnings were issued covering moderate to major flooding along the Darling River extending from Mungindi through to Wilcannia. Flood peaks for Brewarrina and downstream were the highest in around 20 years. Culgoa: 24 flood warnings were issued covering minor to major flooding along the Culgoa River. Major flooding occurred around New Angledool, while moderate flooding occurred around Brenda, Kenebree and Weilmoringle. Minor flooding occurred around Goodooga. Tasmania The heavy rainfall recorded in the north of the State due to the passage of a low pressure system on the 22nd and 23rd caused the following northern rivers to flood: Major flooding was exceeded in the Meander River and in the North Esk River. Moderate flooding was exceeded in the South Esk River and in the Macquarie River. Minor flooding was exceeded in the Isis River and in the Lake River.
Western Australia On the 29th Mandora (Pilbara) registered 42.8 C, the highest official September maximum temperature recorded in Western Australia. The previous value was 42.6 C on 24 September 1983, also at Mandora. The new extreme equalled the highest September maximum temperature for Australia which was recorded at Wave Hill (Northern Territory) on 10 September 1933. Highest Mean Maximum Temperature for September
Previous Years of
Station Actual Highest Year Record
C C
Queensland
Georgetown PO 35.4 35.3 1915/92 92
Cairns A/P 29.4 29.3 1992 57
Northern Territory
Darwin A/P 33.7 33.6 1971 57
Gove 31.5 31.5 1992 19
Pirlangimpi 33.7 33.6 1997 18
Highest Mean Minimum Temperature for September
Previous Years of
Station Actual Highest Year Record
C C
Queensland
Coen A/P 21.7 21.5 1975 31
Palmerville 21.2 20.4 1992 88
Buketown PO 21.2 20.6 1964/86/92 89
Croydon Township 22.9 22.9 1915 78
Julia Creek PO 18.6 17.1 1983 34
Kowanyama A/P 22.4 21.6 1992 32
Normanton PO 23.1 22.1 1964 91
Georgetown PO 20.9 19.8 1915 91
Hughenden PO 18.7 17.5 1995 92
Cairns Aero 21.1 20.9 1992 57
Low Isles Lighthouse 23.1 22.9 1992 32
Cardwell Eden St 20.5 20.0 1926 92
Innisfail 20.7 20.3 1926 91
Ingham 19.8 18.9 1992 31
Ayr DPI Research Stn 18.9 18.1 1992 41
Te Kowai Exp Stn 17.3 16.8 1975 82
St Lawrence PO 17.3 17.3 1964 60
Mackay MO 19.3 19.0 1992 40
Clermont PO 15.7 15.0 1964 84
Springsure PO 14.9 14.1 1983 51
Tambo PO 13.3 12.7 1983 68
Taroom PO 14.5 12.7 1983 47
Barcaldine PO 17.0 16.2 1964 81
Isisford PO 16.2 15.3 1915 83
Longreach A/P 16.4 14.7 1975/83 33
Blackall PO 15.5 14.9 1975 42
Urandangie 16.8 16.0 1975/97 61
Winton PO 17.7 16.3 1975/83 61
Windorah PO 15.5 15.1 1964 64
Baralaba PO 16.0 13.6 1983 31
Gayndah PO 15.2 13.3 1983 95
Rockhampton A/P 17.3 16.3 1975 60
Double Is Pt Light'h 18.2 18.1 1983 58
Gympie Forestry 14.4 13.7 1910 84
Kingaroy Prince St 12.0 11.0 1973 52
Maryborough 16.2 15.9 1915 91
Brisbane A/P 14.5 14.3 1964 50
Nambour DPI 14.3 13.1 1983 41
Stanthorpe PO 9.4 8.0 1983 61
Applethorpe 8.8 8.3 1988 31
Miles PO 12.8 12.7 1915 90
Injune PO 12.0 10.6 1975 32
Mitchell PO 11.7 11.2 1921 81
Surat PO 12.1 12.0 1975 55
Northern Territory
Gove 22.8 21.9 1988 19
Pirlangimpi 22.6 22.6 1981 18
Yulara 13.7 13.4 1997 20
Highest Daily Maximum Temperature for September
Previous Years of
Station Actual Date Highest Year Record
C C
Western Australia
Giles 38.2 30 36.5 1981 43
Halls Creek 39.9 30 39.5 1995 51
Mandora 42.8 29 42.6 1983 36
Port Hedland 41.2 29 41.0 1991 51
Northern Territory
Curtain Springs 38.6 30 38.0 1988 33
Jervois 37.7 29 37.4 1995 17
Kulgera 38.0 29 37.4 1995 17
Yulara 38.1 28 37.5 1980 20
Lowest Daily Maximum Temperature for September
Previous Years of
Station Actual Date Lowest Year Record
C C
Tasmania
Swan Island Light'h 10.0 15 10.2 1995 38
Highest Daily Minimum Temperature for September
Previous Years of
Station Actual Date Highest Year Record
C C
Queensland
Croydon 26.6 13 26.1 1966 35
Kowanyama A/P 25.6 22 24.8 1992 32
Lady Elliot Is 23.0 15 22.4 1988 42
Quilpie A/P 23.1 5 22.3 1971 42
Northern Territory
Yulara 38.1 28 37.5 1980 20
Curtain Springs 38.6 30 38.0 1988 33
Western Australia
Cocos Island 26.9 24 26.7 1984 47
South Australia Thunderstorms and rain around the Moomba area on the 10th produced some high 24 hr rainfalls with Moomba recording 58.6mm, Terrawarra 50.8mm and Moomba Airport 60.2mm. The previous September highest daily rainall at Moomba was 19.6mm which fell on the 29th in 1996. Highest Monthly Rainfall on Record for September Previous Years of
Station Actual Highest Year Record
mm mm
Queensland
Sth Mossman Alchera Dve 151.4 141.6 1936 91
Tully Sugar Mill 610.2 469.0 1926 74
Upper Stone Exelby 118.6 100.0 1975 60
Ingham 218.0 148.0 1975 31
Abergowrie Bridge 249.2 129.5 1975 43
Byfield Childs Rd 171.0 113.0 1976 71
Dalrymple Heights 153.7 150.5 1975 61
Comet PO 131.6 111.7 1933 104
Dingo PO 220.3 116.0 1906 103
Duaringa PO 160.8 149.1 1933 113
The Glebe 141.0 95.8 1947 74
Bedourie Police Stn 57.1 52.4 1935 64
Glenormiston Stn 52.0 42.4 1894 109
Banana PO 160.6 140.3 1917 128
Monduran 157.2 85.0 1996 39
Eidsvold PO 143.2 140.8 1917 109
Lady Elliot Island 169.4 148.0 1945 60
Miriam Vale PO 178.9 159.4 1906 114
Mt Perry PO 170.8 140.4 1897 113
Moura PO 184.4 144.3 1947 58
Rosedale PO 198.0 149.2 1906 103
Wowan PO 116.4 86.6 1947 78
Gladstone Radar 89.6 83.8 1986 42
Molangool 189.2 91.6 1974 34
Glenwood 135.2 98.5 1973 43
Colodan 130.6 80.6 1992 40
Beechmont Binna Burra Road 172.0 129.6 1932 80
Canungra Finch Rd 193.0 110.3 1932 84
Dayboro PO 176.0 122.1 1978 68
Lanark 103.9 97.1 1973 59
Jimna Forestry 180.4 128.6 1933 72
Kandanga PO 182.2 151.3 1917 82
Kenilworth 381.3 251.2 1906 96
Kilkivan PO 147.8 124.5 1879 120
Landsborough PO 234.0 177.3 1927 107
Maleny Tamarind St 318.6 191.6 1933 84
Mt Mee 242.0 196.4 1921 90
Peachester Woodford Rd 265.2 189.9 1964 83
Pechey Forestry 136.0 120.0 1964 72
Pomona PO 191.6 159.3 1926 80
Proston PO 152.4 124.6 1992 62
Somerset Dam Bvrt 141.2 131.4 1976 63
Mt Tamborine Fern St 253.4 170.4 1943 111
Tiaro Police Stn 155.3 131.7 1900 105
Banyo Seminary 111.4 102.0 1978 43
Tuan Creek Forest Stn 135.8 119.4 1949 51
Kalinga Bowls Club 95.6 91.5 1964 43
Brisbane A/P 101.8 89.6 1978 50
Lindfield 136.0 104.0 1964 76
Yandina PO 217.0 183.0 1926 107
Nambour DPI 227.4 124.8 1975 47
Kuraby Beenleigh Rd 135.4 123.1 1932 35
Mt Glorious Fahey Rd 237.4 171.1 1959 66
Lytton Ampol Ref. 83.6 82.2 1985 35
Woolooga 152.2 104.4 1992 35
Beenleigh Bowls Club 103.8 79.0 1997 32
Miami Bardon Ave 173.8 129.0 1982 31
Mt Mowbullan 200.2 113.1 1974 30
Dunollie 130.4 100.6 1973 49
Borumba Dam 167.8 141.0 1978 39
Palmwoods Hobson St 197.0 161.0 1943 69
Dunmore State Forest 122.4 92.8 1978 59
Haden PO 140.0 97.7 1935 73
Tipton Bridge 105.4 96.2 1976 31
Barakula Forest Stn 107.0 104.9 1996 59
Condamine 108.5 88.3 1973 62
Glenorie 132.0 120.9 1970 70
Hungerford PO 84.8 61.8 1943 115
Arrabury Stn 78.8 69.0 1979 85
Orientos Stn 73.4 50.0 1979 34
New South Wales
Tibooburra 139.5 139.5 1975 112
Cobar 104.2 102.0 1975 36
Louth 85.2 72.3 1975 117
Tilpa 92.6 72.0 1949 115
Wanaaring 90.2 69.1 1906 114
Narrabri West 141.6 128.7 1906 107
Wee Waa 116.4 108.7 1949 114
Barraba 154.3 147.4 1970 117
Granite Heights 172.0 122.6 1978 33
Breeza 139.8 115.6 1997 115
Manilla 163.2 126.2 1949 115
Mullaley 152.2 119.3 1997 99
Woolbrook 180.6 143.9 1970 40
Lower Creek 105.6 93.0 1988 37
Hillston 151.1 88.9 1916 117
Tasmania
Connerville 140.4 140.4 1984 68
Dunorlan 184.6 169.6 1984 48
Kimberley 168.7 165.0 1996 31
Western Australia
Badgingarra 95.6 92.8 1978 35
Northern Territory
Elsey 76.0 15.6 1992 31
Maningrida 48.0 8.2 1992 32
Nhulunbuy DTW 22.6 18.1 1978 23
Numbulwar 41.0 17.5 1984 27
Highest Daily Rainfall on Record for September Previous Years of
Station Actual Date Highest Year Record
mm mm
Queensland
Augustus Downs Stn 28.0 24 25.0 1992 110
Westmoreland Stn 24.8 24 21.8 1978 34
Mt Isa A/P 40.0 24 35.8 1978 33
Richmond PO 43.0 9 41.7 1962 110
Gordonvale PO 57.0 10 37.0 1988 36
Ingham 99.8 9 50.0 1975 31
Abergowrie Bridge 77.6 10 55.0 1975 43
Mackay MO 33.0 10 24.4 1975/97 40
Carnarvon Stn 48.0 15 43.2 1933 75
Woleebee Nevasa 61.0 15 59.9 1917 87
The Glebe 88.0 11 24.0 1978 74
Taroom Police 63.8 11 50.8 1992 88
Caldervale Stn 45.0 25 43.4 1973 64
Glenormiston Stn 52.0 10 20.8 1926 109
Monduran 109.2 11 60.6 1985 39
Lady Elliot Is 66.0 28 62.5 1945 60
Rosedale PO 107.0 11 99.6 1948 103
Molangool 73.4 11 50.0 1996 34
Colodan 51.6 25 36.1 1970 40
Caboolture PO 68.2 11 50.8 1889 129
Crohamhurst 110.6 11 85.1 1915 105
Dayboro PO 63.2 11 62.2 1975 68
Jimna Forestry 71.2 11 61.7 1949 72
Kandanga PO 91.0 11 77.0 1926 82
Kenilworth 190.6 30 116.1 1913 96
Landsborough PO 134.0 11 71.1 1894 107
Maleny Tamarind St 113.2 11 73.7 1933 84
Mt Mee 98.0 11 71.2 1978 90
Peachester Woodford Rd 151.5 11 76.2 1943 83
Pomona PO 88.4 11 64.0 1983 80
Proston PO 57.0 25 56.8 1992 62
Somerset Dam Bvrt 53.6 11 53.2 1975 63
Southport Drury Ave 88.8 12 81.8 1922 115
Mt Tamborine Fern St 67.4 12 65.5 1916/43 111
Banyo Seminary 56.2 11 46.0 1975 43
Kalinga Bowls Club 54.0 12 43.0 1975 43
Brisbane A/P 44.0 11 42.7 1966 50
Enoggera Bowls Club 72.2 12 52.3 1946 100
Lindfield 67.4 11 53.3 1964 76
Yandina PO 98.0 11 85.9 1906 107
Nambour DPI 119.0 11 74.5 1983 47
Mt Glorious Fahey Rd 80.2 11 70.9 1946 66
Lytton Ampol Ref. 55.0 11 54.9 1966 35
Miami Bardon Ave 88.6 12 45.0 1982 31
Mount Mowbullan 57.6 11 52.5 1974 30
Borumba Dam 118.0 14 48.4 1978 39
Palmwoods Hobson St 95.0 11 55.0 1978 69
Bogarella 73.0 15 45.2 1973 86
Orientos Stn 35.4 21 34.0 1979 34
Lillydale 65.0 23 56.0 1988 91
Railton 74.0 23 61.5 1933 82
Ulverstone 65.4 23 65.0 1997 88
Launceston A/P 53.0 23 45.8 1974 68
Devonport Airport 80.0 23 61.0 1997 36
Western Creek 93.2 23 56.4 1997 35
Northern Territory
Elsey 76.0 24 15.0 1992 31
Maningrida 48.0 24 8.2 1992 32
Numbulwar 41.0 24 17.5 1984 27
Note: Some statistical records mentioned in this report are based on data that have yet to be fully validated.
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