Queensland wild weather is set to intensify as severe thunderstorms and monsoonal rain threaten northern regions. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood watches across vast areas of the state. Heavy rainfall could deliver up to 300 millimetres in some locations over the next week.
Gold Coast storm cleanup continues after a ferocious Christmas Day microburst wreaked havoc at Southport. A 30-tonne crane toppled during the storm, forcing hundreds to evacuate from Broadwater Tourist Park. Wind gusts reached 83 kilometres per hour, leaving thousands without power and creating dangerous conditions across South East Queensland.
Monsoonal Rain System Threatens Northern Queensland
Queensland severe weather patterns are being driven by a monsoon trough spanning the northern part of the state. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts daily rainfall totals between 100 and 200 millimetres across affected areas. North-west Queensland and the North Tropical Coast could receive more than 300 millimetres over five to seven days.
Meteorologist Felim Haniffy confirmed heavy rain would move across the region over the weekend and into early next week. The wet conditions are expected to spread to Cairns and Bowen, bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms. Flash flooding remains a significant concern as the system intensifies across northern Australia.
Gold Coast Storm Cleanup Hampers Holiday Plans
The Gold Coast storm cleanup has become a major operation following the Christmas Day microburst at Southport. Triple M Radio host Margaux Parker described the experience as unlike anything she had witnessed before. The Parker family was staying at Broadwater Tourist Park when the fierce storm struck without warning.
A 30-tonne crane collapsed near Frank Street and Marine Parade around 3:15 PM on 25 December 2025. Queensland Police Acting Inspector Peter Venz confirmed the entire crane is leaning northward, threatening the caravan park’s northern section. Strong winds continue hampering dismantling efforts, with removal potentially taking several days to complete safely.
Thousands Without Power as Storms Lash South East Queensland
Queensland wild weather knocked out electricity to more than 6,500 properties across South East Queensland on Christmas Day. Energex reported 3,523 outages on the Gold Coast alone, with additional outages at Noosa and the Sunshine Coast. The severe thunderstorms damaged power lines and infrastructure throughout the region.
Figure 3: Lightning strikes light up the sky over the Gold Coast during severe thunderstorms.
An exclusion zone was declared at Southport under the Public Safety Preservation Act around 3:45 PM. The zone encompasses Gold Coast Highway, North Street, Loders Creek and the Broadwater areas. Two fire and rescue crews evacuated residents from a nearby tower as a precautionary measure.
Flash Flooding Warnings Extended Across Multiple Regions
The Bureau of Meteorology issued flash flooding warnings for the Wide Bay and Burnett regions on Christmas Day. Parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields also face potential flooding as Queensland severe weather continues. A monsoon has developed over Australia for the first time this season, triggering extensive flood watches.
Riverine flooding is expected across the Gulf Country over the coming days and weeks. The Georgina River, Eyre Creek, and lower Diamantina River catchments in South West  Queensland wild weather and flooding. New Year revellers are warned about possible road closures, muddy conditions and isolated communities in western Queensland.
Caravan Park Residents Describe Chaotic Storm Conditions
Margaux Parker and her husband, Brisbane Broncos legend Corey Parker, scrambled to secure belongings as the microburst hit. She described the storm as shorter but sharper than previous weather events she had experienced. The Gold Coast storm cleanup revealed gazebos in the wrong locations, boats off trailers and widespread debris.
The caravan belonging to the Parker family sits within the exclusion zone beneath the damaged crane. Residents cannot assess damage or begin cleanup until authorities deem the area safe. Wind gusts of 90 kilometres per hour toppled the crane and caused extensive property damage throughout the park.
Northern Rivers Region Also Experiences Severe Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorms developed in far northeast New South Wales on Christmas Day afternoon. The Bureau issued warnings at 2:41 PM for parts of the Northern Rivers Forecast District. A southerly wind change moving through the region triggered storms tracking east and northeast toward Queensland.
Locations including Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Hastings Point, Numinbah and Tyalgum faced potential impacts. The storms were likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall. Flash flooding remained a significant risk as the system moved across the border.
Waterspout Sighted Near North Stradbroke Island
A waterspout was sighted near North Stradbroke Island during the Christmas Day weather event. The phenomenon occurred alongside the microburst that caused significant damage at Southport. Queensland wild weather patterns can produce various severe weather phenomena, including microbursts, waterspouts and damaging wind gusts.
The Gold Coast Seaway recorded wind gusts of 83 kilometres per hour during the peak of the storm. These conditions contributed to the crane collapse and widespread damage across the coastal region. Meteorologists continue monitoring weather systems across Queensland throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
FAQ
Q1. What caused the crane collapse at the Gold Coast?
Ans. A microburst with wind gusts of 83 kilometres per hour toppled a 30-tonne crane at Southport on 25 December 2025.
Q2. How much rainfall is expected across northern Queensland?
Ans. During the Queensland severe weather, the northern part could receive 100 to 200 millimetres of daily rainfall, with some areas expecting more than 300 millimetres over five to seven days.
Q3. How many properties lost power during the Gold Coast storms?
Ans. More than 6,500 properties experienced power outages across South East Queensland on Christmas Day.
Q4. Which regions are under flood watch in Queensland?
Ans. Flood watches cover western, northern and eastern Queensland, including the Gulf Country, Georgina River, Eyre Creek and lower Diamantina River catchments, which are under flood
