Heavy rain looks set to hit large parts of Queensland this weekend, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing several flash flood and severe thunderstorm warnings for central and southern parts of the state.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has put most of central and southern Queensland on a flood watch as residents in Wide Bay, Burnett and the state’s south-east forecast districts prepare for possible flooding.
The BOM said the severe storms were likely to produce heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding in Gympie, Cooroy, Imbil, Nambour and Rainbow Beach.
An emergency alert has also been issued for the Gympie local government area, with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services warning that flash flooding could occur within the next 36 to 48 hours, with totals of up to 200 mm possible in the region.
Residents in Gympie and Noosa will be hit by heavy rain that could lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash floods, the BOM said.
Severe thunderstorm warnings have also been issued for heavy rain, large hail and damaging winds across much of central Queensland.
Areas expected to be affected include the Central Highlands and coalfields, and parts of the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Central West, Wide Bay and Burnett, Maranoa and Warrego, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, South East Coast and Herbert and Lower Burdekin. districts
As a low pressure system lingers in central Queensland, a mass of moist air has been pushed across eastern parts of the state.
The BOM said a trough or low could develop near the east coast later today and move towards the southeast coast in the coming days before moving further south next week.
The low could lead to heavy rain Saturday night into Monday, depending on the movement of the system.
Strong storms are also developing further south near the New South Wales border.
Gindie in Queensland’s Central Highlands saw 54mm of rain. (Provided by Nicole Daniels)
Regions prepare for flash floods
The BOM has also issued a moderate flood warning for the Bulloo, Paroo and Macintyre rivers, while major flooding is possible for the Logan and Albert rivers.
Major flooding is expected in Boonah along the River Teviot from this afternoon.
It comes after significant rainfall has already been recorded in the upper parts of the Teviot Brook catchment, including 40 millimeters at Mt Alford since 9am today.
Flash surges and flash flooding are expected in these areas starting tonight and into the weekend.
Residents in these areas have been warned that already wet catchments will respond quickly to any further rain.
The BOM said the risk of flooding is further exacerbated by “a small tidal anomaly of up to 20cm” which will increase the rise of rivers and streams in tidal areas.
Scartwater station, south of Charters Towers, received 24mm of rain overnight. (Provided by: Terrie Pedracini)
Gold Coast on ‘high alert’
The Gold Coast City Council said it was now on high alert as severe weather closes in on the south-east corner.
Staff and machinery from the council’s disaster management center have been mobilized and sandbag stations have been opened at Pimpama, Bilinga and Burleigh Heads.
Gold Coast beaches remain open with lifeguards assessing conditions after the council warned of dangerous surf conditions expected over the weekend.
Sand packing stations have opened on the Gold Coast at Pimpama, Burleigh Heads and Billinga ahead of the wild weather expected this weekend.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the city could experience possible flash flooding over the next few days.
“If you have time to check the batteries and the first aid kit, do it,” he said.
Gold Coast residents are bracing for storm and flood activity. (ABC News: Cathy Border)
“We will monitor it closely and if it means our disaster management unit will meet multiple times, we will.
“La Niña is here as planned, third year in a row.”
Cr Tate urged residents to check on family and pets and keep up with the latest forecasts.
“The most important thing is to have your contact information, to know where your family is,” he said.
“What do you do with your pets… is it too late to take some friends to higher ground?
“They’re the kind of things I would do directly because your loved ones are the main thing.”