12 April, 2023
Cyclonic winds batter Oakey
A large storm caused power outages in the area from Toowoomba to Dalby and caused a large amount of damage.
Oakey, Jondaryan, Goombungee and Haden are recovering from the wild storm which caused major power outages and brought down several large trees.
A wind gust of over 100 km/h was recorded last Friday at the Oakey Army Aviation Base, and hail of over 10cm in size was observed at Douglas near Goombungee and east of Cecil Plains.
Local residents reported having in excess of 50mm rain in less than half an hour on Good Friday afternoon, as the storm tore across the town.
The Bureau of Meteorology recorded 79mm in total at Oakey between 9am on Friday and 9am on Saturday.
A bizarre wind system resembling a tornado was also observed by a storm chaser east of Cecil Plains and west of Norwin.
A tree fell on a powerline at Federal Street causing temporary outages in Oakey homes.
Power went out for longer at various locations including Jondaryan, Peranga, Maclagan, Brymaroo and Quinalow, as well as Bongeen west of Mt Tyson.
Ergon said it was important that residents never go near trees that are in contact with powerlines.
Local volunteers and council workers have been working to clean up the damage, which consists mainly of damages to fences.
