Heavy rainfall and flash flooding warnings issued for region
The low pressure system that flooded northern parts of Queensland is expected to bring heavy rains and possible flash flooding to the southeast from today.
Heavy rainfall warnings are in place for Maranoa and Warrego, the Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Wide Bay and the Burnett, the Central Highlands and parts of the south-east coast.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Angus Hines said northern parts of the south-east would be a “focal point” of heavy rain from Sunday afternoon into Monday evening, with isolated falls of up to 170 millimeters possible on the Sunshine Coast.
“We will be looking towards the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie, Kingaroy, Maryborough and Bundaberg,” he said.
“It will probably be today and tomorrow, that area will stay very wet until Monday.”
Some of the heaviest rain will fall Monday night and early Tuesday before the low pressure system moves away from the coast, Hines said.
“Hopefully by the time people get out of bed on Tuesday morning or by mid-day we should be saying the worst of the rain is over,” Hines said.
Heavy rains over the next 48 hours are likely to lead to further flooding in some areas. Various flood watches and warnings are in place across Queensland.
Close to 150 millimeters have been recorded at Sardine Creek in the Central Highlands in the past 12 hours, while 131 millimeters have been seen at Miles on the Darling Downs.
“These were our highest observations,” Hines said.
The bureau predicts overall rainfall totals will be between 50 and 100 millimeters over the next 24 hours, with isolated totals between 100 and 150 millimeters.
Brisbane City Council has encouraged residents to monitor the bureau’s website and prepare for severe weather; Sandbags are available at any time from five locations around the city.
On the south side, residents can pick them up at 9 Redfern Street in Morningside, Herbert Street in Lota and 38 Shamrock Road in Darra. On the north side, they are available at 66 Wilston Road in Newmarket and 33 Jennings Street in Zillmere.
The tornado watch from Cooktown to Palm Island was canceled on Thursday. Tropical low 29U crossed the coast on Friday, bringing heavy rain and flooding to north and northwest Queensland.
More than 30 people were rescued While a bus was stranded in floodwaters in the Gladstone area on Saturday, many people were rescued from cars or after abandoning their vehicles.
Heavy rain and flooding will continue in the north this morning and ease in the afternoon and Monday.
Start your day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
