Sarah Armstrong’s app had been running hot. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Griffith’s airport was closed indefinitely at 7 am today (24 October) after a heavy deluge of rain hit the town on Sunday night and Monday morning.
In a statement, Griffith City Council said: “Due to significant rainfall experienced overnight at the Griffith Airport, Council wishes to advise that the aerodrome is closed to all aircraft until further notice.
“Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) weather recording station, located at Griffith aerodrome, has recorded 65.6 mm of rain.
“Staff will continue to assess the situation and will advise of any changes accordingly.”
In the 24 hours between 9 am Sunday and 9 am Monday, 72 mm of rainfall was recorded at the airport, including more than 40 mm in the eight hours after midnight.
Qantas flight QF2121 and Rex flights ZL6263 and ZL6467, due to depart Sydney for Griffith on Monday morning, were all cancelled. The Griffith to Sydney morning Qantas flight QF2122 and the afternoon Rex flights ZL6468 and ZL6472 have also been cancelled.
The next flight that is still scheduled to depart Griffith airport at this stage is the QF2020, departing at 6 pm on Monday, 24 October, bound for Sydney. However, given further rain and heavy winds are forecast for Griffith for the afternoon of Monday, passengers should regularly check with their airline for further updates.
Griffith’s golf course has also been closed, with large pools of water on the fairway.
Griffith golf course on Monday 24 October. Photo: Griffith Golf Club Facebook page.
For the past week, Griffith had largely escaped the wet weather that had inundated the southern Riverina and northwest parts of Victoria until a significant downfall hit the town at around 11 pm on Sunday. While further rain is expected today, only showers are expected on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and fine weather is forecast for Friday (28 October).
The rainfall app Sparkdrop, invented by Griffith mum Sarah Armstrong, where users record and share the amount of rain falling at their properties, has experienced a flurry of activity these past few days. One Griffith user, Matt Hockings, recorded 77 mm as at 8:45 am on Monday.
Ms Armstrong, now known as ‘Rain Lady’ around town, said her app picked up some bizarre trends.
“Both Hanwood and Rankin Springs were drenched, with users recorded more than 80 mm. But Goolgowi, where my Dad lives [20 mins drive from Griffith] recorded just 8 mm over the same period.”
“That was good for the farmers near Goolgowi as the last thing they need is more rain … if you can get your crop off, you are doing well.”
Griffith residents are advised to monitor the Griffith City Council Facebook page for updates about when the airport may re-open.
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