By JONATHON HOWARD
CAPTION: Scenes during the super cell that torn through Pratten properties and has put country people to the test this month.
A FREAK storm the likes of which has not been seen across the Southern Downs for at least four years has put community resilience to the test this month.
The storm levelled properties throughout Pratten and Bony Mountain after it struck on Wednesday, 10 June, from about 7pm.
Lighting and heavy rain swept across the Downs before fierce wind gusts of up to 110 kilometres per hour were reported near Pratten.
While initial reports said the storm had formed into a tornado, Bureau of Meteorology Forecaster Rick Threlfall said that was “unlikely”, however, he said a super storm cell carried an equally destructive force.
“This storm had all the ingredients of a super cell,” Mr Threlfall said.
He said higher than average temperatures during the early part of June caused instability in the atmosphere.
“Instability in the atmosphere was combined with warm moist air rising and feeding into a developing storm cell,” he said.
“This was combined with a warm trough that moved through the region combining with the storm cell and creating a super cell.”
The result was destructive winds, lighting and heavy rain capable of leveling homes and destroying properties.
More than 1100 properties were left without power and crews worked around the clock to restore power before the week’s end.
No injuries were reported as a result of the storm.
Financial support has begun to flow for victims of the recent storm that left at least six Pratten families homeless last week.
Almost 100 residents attended a community barbecue to fundraise for storm victims at the White St Hall in Pratten on Saturday, 15 June.
Local organiser Diane Lawlor said the community support had been overwhelming.
“People came from all over, including Warwick and Nobby and Bony Mountain,” she said.
The barbecue was one of a series of fundraising events with a monster raffle expected in the coming weeks.
Ms Lawlor said she was visiting businesses to collect 100 raffle prizes.
“The Marriott on the Gold Coast has already donated a weekend holiday so there are going to be some great prizes,” she said.
FACTBOX
IN the wake of any storms residents should:
– Tune into local ABC radio for official warnings or advice
– Check your house for structural damage
– Stay well clear of fallen power lines, trees and flooded watercourses
– Check on your neighbours if safe to do so
– Don’t go sight-seeing
Emergency Contacts
– For emergency help in storms or floods, call the SES on 132 500
– For life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately
For further information on storm and disaster preparedness, you can pick up some handy brochures from the Warwick or Stanthorpe Council Offices, visit the StormWise website (stormwise.com.au/) or the Get Ready Queensland website (www.disaster.qld.gov.au/getready/).
