It is no doubt coincidental that John M wrote his article this month - probably though because this is the time for our "wet season" to appear.
In yesterday's local regional newpaper, there were texts bemoaning the fact that BOM sends out warnings (which is good) BUT the warnings in our area are ALWAYS arriving AFTER THE EVENT.
I was playing cards on Thursday when a notification came and it was about "Large hail, Damaging winds, Heavy Rain, Cairns Mareeba, Atherton, Yarrabah, Gordonvale and Redlynch areas at risk."
I complained to the others at cards something like "stupid BOM - we have had our STRONG winds and rain and all gone" now. I thought it was just me of course complaining. However, in the local paper seems that the people in Edmonton (where they DID GET HAILand drenched) and other places were all saying the same.
Hail never seen in Cairns area before but this lot was in Edmonton just south of Cairns city itself.
I realise BOM probably have a difficult job but geez, it would be good to get the warnings beforehand.
BUT on the other hand, we are so used to our weather that we can feel when it is going to be anything drastic so I guess we should be thankful for small mercies. Young people would have no idea though. Jasper on 13th December 2024 brought the MOST CONSTANT RAIN EVER but mainly AFTER 13th and NO WARNINGS about that at all!! The texts made reference to that problem as well. The constant torrential rain following Jasper's crossing the coast at Woojal Woojal Aboriginal settlement certainly ruined many homes in the Barron River Delta and north of Cairns towards the Cape. People are still living rough as they cannot get houses repaired for whatever reason.