Parts of Queensland had already recorded unusually high October rainfall before the month ended, according to ABC News meteorologist Tom Saunders.

By 9am on 23 October, Nambour had received 401mm, its wettest October in records dating to 1896. Beerburrum recorded 354mm, its highest October total in records beginning in 1958.

Blackall’s 106mm represented its wettest October in 28 years, while Normanton’s 60mm was its highest October total in 40 years.

Across the New South Wales border, Coffs Harbour had collected 339mm by 3pm that day, marking its wettest October in 16 years.

The rainfall arrived during an extended period of showers and thunderstorms. ABC reported that some communities faced flooding, while other areas received useful rain after developing drought conditions.