Be prepared for heavy rain, flash flooding

UPDATE 5.50PM: 

Preparations have been finalised across the Moreton Bay Region to be ready for the fresh threat of more severe weather tonight and tomorrow.

Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway says while Council staff are on standby to be deployed, locals need to use this time to prepare their homes and family.

“I understand many residents might be feeling a bit anxious, but rest assured our team is watching the situation closely and are already operating around the clock,” she says.

“What we need you to do is prepare your homes and stay off the roads.

“Locally intense rainfall is possible and since many of our catchments are already saturated, there’s an increased risk of dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding.

“These conditions could lead to multiple roads being inundated, meaning drivers could find themselves caught out by rapidly-rising waters, including travellers around the Kilcoy and Woodford areas.

“Moreton Bay rebounded strongly and cleaned up quickly from the recent flooding, but we cannot be complacent.

“Our libraries are open as Places of Refuge during business hours, so please feel free to come in and take shelter from the weather, use our phones and computers for free, or even just for a hot cuppa and a chat.

“If the situation escalates, we will be ready. Our evacuation centres at Caboolture Memorial Hall and Watson Park are currently being stocked and will be ready to open this evening, if that’s required.

“Our sandbag centres are open across the region, and the SES has had several calls for help with sandbagging needs.

“We’ve already got six minor roads shut because of impacts from previous flooding so I can’t stress this enough: If it’s flooded, forget it!"

Scroll down for road closures list

“Seqwater tells us North Pine Dam flood releases might be needed in the next 24-36 hours, which might also see Youngs Crossing close," Cr Shipway says.

“This system is expected to be less severe than what we went through in February, but it is similar, so we need to monitor it closely.

“I understand many in our community are still hurting and suffering loss from the last event, and this isn’t an easy time.

“We are here for you, so if you need help please don’t hesitate to reach out.

“I’m so proud of the strength and resilience of our community, and I know we can get through anything if we work together to prepare and support each other.”

Monitor your local conditions and stay up to date with warnings: www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings

Subscribe to MoretonAlert for the latest emergency advice: mbrc.link/moreton-alert

To find your local sandbag station: https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Disaster-Management/Sandbags

For the latest road closures: Weather impacted roads - Moreton Bay Regional Council

For information on evacuation centres and places of refuge: Evacuation centres and places of refuge - Moreton Bay Regional Council

2.50PM:

During a press conference this afternoon, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk asked people to take care on the roads, pay attention to the Bureau of Meteorology’s warnings and reconsider their need to travel.

She said the bureau had forecast the worst of the weather should pass later tomorrow.

Moreton Bay Regional Council has opened its libraries as places of refuge for residents who need to take shelter, or use the phone or internet during this current weather situation.

Earlier: 

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning for the Southeast Coast, with heavy rain and thunderstorms with locally intense falls forecast which may lead to flash flooding today and tomorrow.

Moreton Bay Regional Council has opened its sandbag stations for residents who know their properties are prone to flooding.

There are five roads closed across the region. See list below.

Since 9am Sunday, Samford Valley has had 51mm of rain, Bribie Island 50mm, Strathpine 36mm and Redcliffe 31mm.

The latest warning was issued shortly after 10.45am and is due to a coastal trough which is expected to deepen over South East Queensland from late today.

Areas southeast of Double Island Point to Crows Nest and Warwick are likely to be affected.

Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 to 140mm are possible, reaching up to 180mm over coastal areas and ranges.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL leading to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible with thunderstorms with six-hourly rainfall totals in excess of 200mm.

A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.

A Flood Watch is current for parts of southern Queensland, refer to www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Gold Coast, Brisbane, Maroochydore, Caboolture, Coolangatta and Ipswich.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

* Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it's flooded, forget it.

* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.

* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11am.

Roads closed

There are 5 roads closed across the Moreton Bay Region as at 5.35pm.

Elimbah: Old Gympie Road at Six Mile Creek

Highvale: Goat Track Whole length of track - Flood Damaged Road

Mango Hill: Chermside Road between John Street and Kinsellas Road West

Rocksberg: Best Road at Keillors Crossing

Strathpine: Mott Street