Several businesses closed temporarily and others reported damaged stock and premises as a result of Friday’s heavy storm in Goulburn.
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Up to 40mm drenched the city in just three hours from 1.30pm, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The downpour was sparked by a combination of high humidity and temperature and trough that ran from northwestern to southeastern NSW, forecaster Katarina Kovacevic told The Post.
Some of the worst affected businesses were on the western side of Auburn Street, between Montague and Verner Streets. Water inundated Lyn’s Floral Studio, which was closed for a break, while the Saint Vincent de Paul shop, Centrelink and Greater Value discount store also reported flooding at the rear of their buildings.
In the same block, the Emperor Asian Restaurant closed while owners mopped up and applied fans to wet floors.
FIC Newsagency manager Michael Chatfield said while the block had previously experienced stormwater issues during heavy rain, the business had only cleared drains and gutters in the last few days. This avoided any damage to the shop.
“It depends how well you clear out your drains,” he said of the buildings along the stretch.
The rear slope contributed to flooding but Mr Chatfield said council work on Cartwright Place had reduced the impact.
Bryants Pies spokeswoman Cheryl McLaughlin said the shop only experienced minor water inundation through the roof, which was quickly mopped up.
But further along, the Park Cafe opposite Belmore Park closed for 30 minutes at the height of the storm.
Barista Tom Gaskin said water came through the front of the cafe onto electric grinders which had to be dismantled and reassembled.
“We had about 10mm on the ground. It was quite wild,” he said.
“We closed for safety reasons and to clean up and mitigate the damage.”
Blooms Parkside pharmacy staff soaked up water running through the back of their premises with towels and mops. Pharmacist Hassan Ajami said it caused only minor disruption to trading.
The rain also came pouring in the back of Baxters Boots and through the front door. Although bowing a ceiling and sparking a “big clean up,” it didn’t damage stock.
But Something Special owner Brooke McPherson was preparing to lodge an insurance claim after only some stock, including a lounge, was water affected.
Other businesses, including the Goulburn Workers Club and Harvey Norman were also believed to have experienced a level of flooding.
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