Hervey Bay cyclones, waterspouts and storm surges

Pialba storekeeper making deliveries through Torquay floodwaters 1927. Source: John Oxley Library Neg. 35116

The Fraser Coast has a well-documented history of the Maryborough floods but not as much is known about Hervey Bay weather activities. Remarkable events such as waterspouts, cyclones and storm surges commonly occur along the coastline.

One of the first mentions of a waterspout was in 1883.  “The magnificent waterspout gratified the eyes of visitors to Pialba, Queensland, on Saturday last (says the Chronicle). A heavy black cloud to the north-east, overhanging Hervey’s (sic) Bay, was observed to drop a huge black tongue, which was met in mid-air by a spiral column of water, which rose promptly from the sea in response to the advances from above” (National Library of Australia, 1883).

Another such event was recorded in 1935. “Spectacle in Hervey Bay: was it a waterspout or its half-brother? Those who saw the unusual sight of a watery, cloudy column rising out of the water in Hervey Bay adjacent to Woody Island on Saturday afternoon last…” (National Library of Australia, 1935). The article goes on to assert that the phenomenon had all the characteristics of a waterspout.

Another was cited by Christiansen (1991) as occurring in 1939. 

Have you ever observed a waterspout occurring over Hervey Bay waters?

Hervey Bay looking from Fraser Street along flooded esplanade 1927. Source: John Oxley Library Neg. 35117

Water rushing out to sea near Urangan Pier. Part of sandhills washed away 1927. Source: John Oxley Library Neg. 35119

Bus stranded on Esplanade Torquay, 1927. Source: John Oxley Library Neg. 35120

Cyclones and severe storms have been documented as occurring in 1918, 1927 and 1974 (Cyclone Wanda) (Christiansen, 1991). Other events have been mentioned in 1925, 1950s, 1992 and 2013 (Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum Assn. Inc., 2013).

The Maryborough Chronicle documents an event in 1934 “Gale at Pialba: Hervey Bay battered by cyclone from north; Scarborough Hotel damaged; huge seas buffet boats and enclosures; trees torn out by roots. Hervey Bay was struck by a northerly gale yesterday, huge seas breaking over the piers and a cyclonic wind causing damage in the township and on the esplanade. Alarm increased to anxiety when the cyclone conditions became worse during the afternoon, and fears were felt for the safety of residences and business places” (National Library of Australia, 1934).

Hervey Bay - trees blown down and washed away 1927. Source: John Oxley Library Neg. 35115

Pialba State School storm damage 1915. Source: John Oxley Library Neg. 48717

Pialba State School storm damage 1915. Source: John Oxley Library Neg. 48718

An event that occurred in February 1954 is also well documented. “Early this morning a cyclonic blow at Hervey Bay did considerable damage to pawpaw and banana crops and unroofed sheds and barns. Thick trees were snapped off like carrots and sheets of iron were blown distances of up to half a mile…The heavy rain and a high tide caused a record flood in Tooan Tooan Creek at Scarness. Houses in low lying areas were flooded. Wind whipped the sea into a raging cauldron and dinghies and fishing boats were forced from their moorings” (National Library of Australia, 1954).

Tidal surges often accompany these cyclones or severe storm events. If they combine with high tides, the sea can rise and cover the esplanade. Charlton Esplanade has often been covered in waist -deep water, as this image from the 1980s depicts (Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum Assn. Inc., 2019).

Tidal surge esplanade Urangan at Pier c. 1980's Source: Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum Assn. Inc. (2019, p.52). 

Can you tell us about an extreme weather event you have lived through that occurred at Hervey Bay?

More information about flooding and storm surges at Hervey Bay can be found at Fraser Coast Regional Council’s disaster managementdashboard.

References:

Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum Assn. Inc. (2019). Moments in Time: A pictorial history Hervey Bay & surrounds, 1890 to 2018. Hervey Bay, QLD: Hervey Bay Historical VIllage & Museum Assn. Inc.

Christiansen, J. (1991). They came and stayed: a history of Hervey Bay. Pialba, QLD. : R. & J. McTaggart and Co.

Hamlyn, Sue & Hervey Bay State High School. (1988). A light-hearted overview of Hervey Bay's history. . Hervey Bay, Qld: Hervey Bay State High School.

Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum Assn. Inc. (2013). Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum. Hervey Bay, Qld: Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum Assn. Inc.

National Library of Australia. (1883, November 30). The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express (NSW: 1871 - 1938. Retrieved from Trove: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/254379086?searchTerm=waterspout%20hervey%20bay&searchLimits=

National Library of Australia. (1933, November 25). Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1860 - 1947) . Retrieved from Trove: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/149265424?searchTerm=waterspout%20hervey%20bay&searchLimits=l-title=731

National Library of Australia. (1934, February 2). Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1860 - 1947) . Retrieved from Trove: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/149273979?searchTerm=cyclone%20hervey%20bay&searchLimits=

National Library of Australia. (1935, November 28). Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1860 - 1947). Retrieved from Trove: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/149953635?searchTerm=waterspout%20hervey%20bay&searchLimits=

National Library of Australia. (1954, February 3). Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954). Retrieved from Trove: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/57283891?searchTerm=cyclone%20hervey%20bay&searchLimits=

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