A training exercise to test the skills of the State Emergency Service was almost called off mid stream when a massive storm hit the area.

A stormwater drain being used for pumping and sandbagging practice, rose over a metre in less than ten minutes during the deluge. Tarping practice, which was being done on a large metal frame in the path of the storm was also suspended. The Westpac Surf Life Saving helicopter, which was helping out in the exercise, was also grounded during the storm, with the crew taking shelter in a mobile command van at Cooper Park.

The storm soon passed and the exercise resumed.

Check out the highlights below or on YouTube.