Weekend flood warnings across Qld, into northern NSW
Hundreds of millimeters of rain are forecast for central and southern Queensland from Thursday, prompting flood warnings.
Weatherzone is forecasting showers on Thursday, setting the stage for dangerous conditions throughout the weekend.
“While Thursday’s rain is unlikely to cause widespread flooding, it will moisten the ground and prepare the area for flooding in the coming days,” the forecast says.
“Severe storms may also cause flash flooding in isolated areas in Queensland on Thursday.
“Friday will see more heavy rain and storms across central and south-east Queensland.”
Heavy rain will intensify Thursday night and continue into Friday.
There is a 75 per cent chance of seeing 40mm of rain in Brisbane on Friday, but a 25 per cent chance of seeing 150mm of rain.
Lismore is expected to record at least 25mm on Friday, with a one in four chance of 80mm, according to Bureau of Meteorology forecasts.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a minor to moderate flood warning for Friday and the weekend, with a risk of isolated major flooding for south-east Queensland and the Wide Bay, Burnett and adjacent inland watersheds.
“A trough moving eastward over southern and central Queensland will persist for the remainder of the week, drawing deep tropical moisture more broadly across the state and increasing shower and thunderstorm activity for several days,” the bureau said.
“There is significant uncertainty about the location and timing of the steepest declines, particularly over the weekend.”
Weatherzone predicts some affected areas could see 100 to 200mm of rain from Thursday to Sunday, while south-east Queensland and the far north-east of NSW could see more than 300mm of rain.
Severe storm and heavy rain warnings are issued for areas at risk of flood.
These storm warnings also cover the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands of NSW.
The Bureau has issued its first flood watch warning for the Northern Rivers.
Inland, Alice Springs recorded eight consecutive days of rain. The country town recorded nine consecutive days of rain in June and July 2023, but there have not been eight consecutive rainy February days since 1982.
