Wet weekend with possible flash flooding expected
Brisbane will have a wet weekend, with significant falls bringing the possibility of flash flooding.
Meteorologist Daniel Hayes said rain was expected to be fairly light on Saturday, but there was also the possibility of storms.
“It’s probably going to be a little bit milder for most people, but we’re likely to see pretty significant declines tomorrow and into Monday,” he said.
A low-lying area crossed the North Queensland coast on Friday, flooding the area. There was significant rainfall overnight along the coast from Mackay to Wide Bay.
“That pulled the monsoon trough and a lot of moisture into central Queensland and eastwards,” Hayes said.
He said an upper-level trough moving over southern Queensland on Sunday could usher in more severe showers and thunderstorm activity.
“So we could see severe storms in the Brisbane area tomorrow and see all the moisture pulled down in the process.
“Most people will probably see 10 to 20 millimeters of rain from widespread showers.
“These heavier showers or thunderstorms could push some of the totals above 50 millimeters; anywhere from 50 to 100 millimeters is possible.”
These heavier falls will be much more isolated, but Hayes urged people to be mindful of the Bureau of Meteorology’s severe storm warnings.
Brisbane City Council also encouraged residents to monitor the bureau’s website and prepare for severe weather.
“Flash flooding is a definite risk when we see severe storms with heavy rainfall,” Hayes said.
Heavy rain can quickly overwhelm drainage systems, he said, “and creeks, rivers, dams, waterways, sewers and things like that can back up and cause flash floods and flooding in places people don’t expect.”
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, sandbags are available at 66 Wilston Road in Newmarket and 33 Jennings Street in Zillmere.
Showers and thunderstorms could continue into Tuesday but will likely be more isolated and less active, Hayes said.
“By midweek we are back to a slight chance of showers, particularly around the coast.”
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