Region recovers from severe storms
Wed 08 March 2006
Michelle McLochlan, Journalism
The wild winds and severe storms that battered the Sunshine Coast during the first week of March have left a trail of destruction.
More than 25,000 homes and businesses lost power as storms and strong winds whipped through the region.
Winds gusted up to 50km/h, blowing trees and branches onto powerlines and showering debris into the homes of residents, prompting a major clean-up.
But the weather wipe-out didn’t stop there, with local transport also being affected. Virgin Blue cancelled all flights to the Sunshine Coast, and rail services were delayed between Nambour and Yandina because of fallen powerlines.
Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Thomas of the University of the Sunshine Coast even contemplated the University’s possible closure to ensure the safety of staff and students was not compromised through travel.
Treacherous sea conditions forced the closure of all beaches on the Sunshine Coast. Lifesavers warned surfers and swimmers of the dangerous beach conditions, but that did not stop about 300 thrill-seekers taking to the water to experience massive waves at Noosa Heads.
The wild sea caused major erosion to the shoreline between Maroochydore and Noosa and created sea foam up to 60cm deep at Alexandra Headland.
The Queensland Seafood Industry Association said trawler operators shore-bound by the rough conditions at sea missed out on earning up to $3,000 a day.
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