HIGGINS Storm Chasing has lambasted a Western Queensland farmer for suggesting its forecasts were incorrect.

Eulo farmer Randal Newsham, of Bundoona station, called out the unofficial, web-based weather forecaster for its predictions posted on social media in early March, warning of rainfall and flooding across western Queensland to be “at a level not seen in 40 years”.

The forecast said, “It could rival anything during the past 44 years (since the 1974 flood). It may also be so significant that nothing has ever been experienced like it in this state.”

Mr Newsham claimed he had high hopes after the prediction but when it did not eventuate he criticised the forecaster saying; “Higgins Storm Chasing had a great forecast but they don’t even know what they are talking about apparently”, The Toowoomba Chronicle reported.

In rebuttal, Higgins Storm Chasing penned a reply on its website and shared it on social media.

It read; “To Mr Newsham, Eulo in South West Queensland was never in our heavy rainfall forecast area to receive any more than 25mm from the event. Nearby to you in Cunnamulla received 35mm over 2 days.

Most bizarre photos of Ingham flood media_camera A massive spider trying to escape the Ingham flood. Photo Andrea Gofton‎ 1 of 27 media_camera A woman shelters during the flood event. Photo Talea Koesterrs‎ 2 of 27 media_camera Dogs in flood water. Photo Queensland Country Hour 3 of 27 media_camera Flooding in Ingham on Friday March 9, 2018. Photo Chris Lees 4 of 27 nav_small_close Want to see more?( 23 more photos in collection )Continue to full gallery nav_small_left nav_small_right

“Sorry you missed out however before you go making false accusations you may wish to read our forecasts more carefully in the future before saying we don’t know what we are talking about.”

Supporters jumped to the weather forecaster’s defence, taking to social media to voice their opinion.

“For us out in Darling Downs you guys (Higgins Storm Chasing) are the first port of call for forecasts as you actually look at things for us who are “ in the middle of nowhere” if it weren’t for you guys we would rarely be informed until an event unfolded,” Sammy Hind said.

⚠️ #Flood Watch has been issued for Queensland's far north coast from Ingham to Daintree. Heaviest falls further north and significantly lower than those of last week, with river level rises above the minor flood level expected. Stay tuned for warnings: https://t.co/tvAw6HL0Uv pic.twitter.com/OQJ7Jbb8Ec — Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 15, 2018

Amazing photos of North Queensland floods media_camera Flooding in Ingham on Friday March 9, 2018. Photo Chris Lees 1 of 15 media_camera Flooding in Ingham on Friday March 9, 2018. Photo Chris Lees 2 of 15 media_camera Flooding in Ingham on Friday March 9, 2018. Photo Chris Lees 3 of 15 media_camera Flooding in Ingham on Friday March 9, 2018. Photo Chris Lees 4 of 15 nav_small_close Want to see more?( 11 more photos in collection )Continue to full gallery nav_small_left nav_small_right

“You simply make the BOM look bad and they probably feel inadequate. Your forecasts are mostly on the money and the BOM never get it right. Keep up the great work and ignore naysayers,” Anthony Owen said.

“I wouldn’t be a member if I didn’t believe in your forecasts! Keep up the great work. There will always be criticism from people, try not to take it to heart,” Karen Efremoff said.

Higgins Storm Chasing showed its appreciation for its followers saying in response; “To the majority members of the public who trust, believe and support us thank you.”

Giant spider spotted trying to escape the flooded Herbert River Giant spider spotted trying to escape the flooded Herbert River

Jeff Higgins added: “Firstly I’m from the bush, I have personally experienced drought and flood first hand on the farm before moving to the Coast. We take rain here for granted now but I will NEVER forget how much every drop or even the smell of rain means to people who live in Western QLD means.

“Over the past five to seven years I have witnessed first hand the devastating drought which has crippled even the strongest and best prepared people in Queensland, Australia.

“The people in the outback of this country are often forgotten by government, banks and city folk.

“You will never be forgotten on Higgins Storm Chasing both on a weather forecast and personal level.”

To view the full response visit higginsstormchasing.com.

According to the ABC, emergency services tasked with managing severe weather events are cautious about putting any weight on commercial forecasters.

“People who want to be forecasters on social media don’t have to abide by the same moral responsibility,” Queensland Fire and Emergency Services emergency management co-ordinator Elliot Dunn, of Mount Isa, said.

Originally published as Higgins hits back over ‘alarmist’ post