LAST week the forecast of rain was embraced by residents of Mansfield and surrounds, who suffered through less than 500mm of rain over 2019.

However, while warmly welcomed, the 40-odd millimetres of rain came with some wind which stirred trouble for many residents and businesses.

The Mansfield SES unit – while glad to see some rain – found that their hands were full, supplying sand bags to those who were desperately trying to stop water levels rising into their homes and shops