NSW and Queensland floods update: BoM defends forecasts after claim coastal community not properly warned

Bureau urged to review its systems after Fraser Coast mayor says Hervey Bay was pelted with 260mm of rain after being told it was not in firing line

The Bureau of Meteorology has defended its forecasting against criticism it failed to give the coastal Queensland community of Harvey Bay enough notice of a torrential downpour in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The Fraser Coast mayor, George Seymour, said the bureau should review its systems, claiming the area was not adequately warned before it was pelted with more than 260mm of rain in a few hours on Sunday, sparking an emergency situation and about a dozen rescues.

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