Extraordinary photos capture the wildest NYE weather in years, as scantily clad partygoers run for cover and police descend on the sodden party strip – before a few brave souls hit the beach at dawn
Revelers on the Gold Coast refused to let the wild weather spoil their New Year’s Eve as they braved the worst December 31 downpour in years to ring in 2024 in style.
Heavy rain, thunderstorms and large hail forecast for northern NSW and Queensland left emergency services on standby on New Year’s Eve.
The Gold Coast was hit by up to 140mm of rain in the 10 hours to 7am on Monday, much of it in a series of heavy downpours.
Up to 340mm of rain fell on the NSW-Queensland border, while Bald Mountain in the south-east received 112mm of rain in just one hour.
Many were seen taking shelter from the deluge, while others embraced the wild weather and headed to the beach for an early morning sunrise swim.
A woman protected herself from the rain with an umbrella as she welcomed the New Year
Hundreds of Queenslanders were caught out by wild weather on Sunday night
Up to 140mm of rain fell on the Gold Coast on New Year’s Eve, causing widespread damage to revelers
Heavy rain, thunderstorms and large hail were forecast for northern NSW and Queensland
A gale warning is in effect for parts of inland central, southern and northern Queensland
These women tried to cover themselves in ponchos to avoid getting wet
This couple decided to embrace the wild weather and went for a walk along the beach
Others decided to jump into the water after ringing in the new year on Sunday evening
A severe thunderstorm warning remained in force for parts of inland north, south and central Queensland on Monday morning.
The Bureau of Meteorology has also warned of heavy rainfall in south-east Queensland, the Gold Coast and the Scenic Rim.
The Tweed River is one of a series of rivers expected to flood throughout Monday, with the Coolangatta and Rathdowney border most affected.
Dysaart, in the Isaac region, received 62mm of rain between 5pm and 5.30pm.
In wild scenes on the Gold Coast, a shirtless man and two police officers were seen soaking wet as they made an arrest in the rain.
Hundreds of partygoers in sequins and glitter were seen taking cover as they were drenched in incessant downpours throughout the evening.
Many were ill-equipped for the weather and only a few were seen taking shelter under an umbrella or wearing a poncho to protect themselves from the rain.
More than a million people flocked to viewing points across Sydney Harbor to watch the fireworks display, while others reveled in pubs, clubs and parties in Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
Revelers poured into the streets after the clock struck twelve, rushing to get home or, in some cases, to keep the party going.
The muggy weather caused men to unbutton their shirts and glamorous ladies in summer dresses to ditch their heels and go barefoot.
Couples walked arm in arm while others took to the deck, too exhausted to wade through the endless crowds after a long day of action.
More than 8.5 tons of fireworks went up in smoke, in addition to 80,000 pyrotechnic effects and cheers.
For some, it was a 17-hour wait after queuing from the early morning hours to get a premium spot.
But it was worth it as the clock struck 12 for the families, friends, world travelers and locals who enjoyed front row fireworks, a smoking ceremony, AI-powered projections on the Harbor Bridge and lighted boats on the water.
Despite the heavy falls, spirits on the Gold Coast remained high
Revelers took the opportunity to mingle in the streets once the rain stopped
Branches and other rubbish were seen scattered across the Surfers Paradise waterfront
Amid the chaos, a man and two police officers were seen getting soaked during the downpour
Four police officers were seen leading a man to a waiting vehicle
These partygoers were able to shelter from the rain under a rainbow umbrella
However, spirits remained high as Queenslanders watched the midnight fireworks at hotspots including Broadbeach, Coolangatta and Surfers Paradise.
The rest of Australia experienced drier conditions, with Victoria blessed with cool and dry conditions and Sydney receiving only a few scattered showers.
Hobart, Canberra and Melbourne enjoyed the coolest weather on New Year’s Eve, with the mercury in the nation’s capital dipping to 12 degrees Celsius at midnight.
Earlier on Sunday, Bureau of Meteorologist senior meteorologist Jonathan How urged residents to stay aware of flood warnings.
This reveler used a bright sombrero to protect herself from the rain
Despite the heavy rain and storms, spirits remained high on the Gold Coast
As rain pounded the Gold Coast, police officers were seen interacting with several young men
A woman appeared to have lost her shoes while speaking to police officers
A woman in a sparkling red pantsuit used a shirt to cover her hair from the rain
Only one reveler remembered to grab an umbrella, while dozens of people lined up outside a venue
A man is seen walking home in the rain as the sun rises Monday morning
“At this stage we do not expect widespread flooding, but areas of heavy rain and thunderstorms could cause flash flooding, as well as rapid rises in creeks, rivers and storm drains,” he said.
Rain hit the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, with Beerburrum recording 110mm in two hours and Landsborough 67mm in 30 minutes.
Wind gusts reached 93km/h at Gympie, while 64mm of rain fell at Cedar Pocket Dam in Queensland.
Severe weather between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day resulted in ten deaths in Queensland and Victoria, including a nine-year-old girl who became lost in a storm drain.
NSW SES crews were kept busy, responding to 473 calls for help and carrying out six flood rescues over the Christmas weekend.