Rain bomb hits home – see readers pics below

By Mitch Gaynor

GLASSHOUSE Country experienced its highest February rainfall total on record as more than half-a-metre of rain fell in just two days.

The region recorded 957mm for the month, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, easily eclipsing the 653.8mm received in 1972.

Most of the rain fell on Saturday February 26 and 27, with the BOM’s Beerburrum station recording 293.6mm and 320.8mm respectively.

Maleny officially recorded 811.6mm, including its wettest day on record of 267mm on the 26th.

Readers have contributed amazing images of the event, described as  an “unrelenting rain bomb” by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, which struck the hinterland and broader south east.

The severity of the rain caught many people by surprise, including one truck, which became trapped on a flooded road at Peachester and required swiftwater rescue teams to save the driver and a passenger.

The flooding caused significant damage to roads, with massive potholes making travel extremely dangerous when water subsided. Steve Irwin Way, which was partly opened on the 27th, was ultimately closed the following day.

Groups including the Glasshouse Country Community Development program said it was now preparing to help people in the clean-up, which would take some time.

GC&M News thanks readers for sharing their stories and pictures and hopes everyone stayed safe.

If you have any stories you would like to share or need any assistance with help in the clean-up, contact
reception@gcnews.com.au.

Main image: Information centre at the entrance to Glass House – Rebecca Skelton