Most of Queensland is on flood watch as the number of flood warnings is likely to increase with widespread minor to moderate flooding possible and the potential for isolated major flooding. The danger is most acute in the Wide Bay and Burnett regions, where an intense tropical low continues its slow journey south and east across the state.
Emergency services have already pulled at least two motorists from life-threatening situations. Near Bundaberg,police officers waded through thigh-deep water on a causeway at Bargara to rescue a schoolboy from a car stuck in fast-moving floodwaters around 7.40am on Monday. The child's father, a 54-year-old driver, was later fined $667 for driving without due care and attention.
South of Booubyjan, another motorist spent four hours sitting atop his submerged car at Boonara Creek on Murgon-Gayndah Road before swiftwater rescue crews reached him around 10.45am. Late Sunday night, a woman had to be rescued from the roof of her Tesla on the Sunshine Coast after water rose to the window and the car drifted into trees.
The rainfall intensity has been extraordinary.Brovinia recorded 260mm in six hours to 4.15am on March 9, whileGympie received higher local falls of around 184mm. These totals have transformed roads across central Queensland into dangerous waterways.More than 30 roads have been closed on the Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane, and the major arterial Bruce Highway has been closed in both directions near Gin Gin and at Two Mile near Gympie.
Water is now building behind Queensland's major dams.A Flood Watch is current for most of Queensland with widespread Minor to Moderate flooding possible and the potential for isolated Major flooding.Boondooma Dam recorded 93mm in the six hours to 10.15pm, and the dam is now spilling. Paradise Dam, near Bundaberg, is also releasing water into the Burnett River as inflows significantly increase.
The Bureau of Meteorology has extended severe weather warnings acrossthe Capricornia, Central Highlands, Wide Bay, Darling Downs and southeast coast districts.A tropical low that's already hammered the far north continues a slow crawl through the state's southeast.Widespread rain with heavy falls will continue across central and parts of southeast Queensland today, with conditions expected to ease during Tuesday.
A Flood Watch is current for most of Queensland, with the number of Flood Warnings likely to increase. Queensland Police have urged motorists to check road conditions before travelling and to avoid driving through floodwaters. The Queensland State Emergency Service can be contacted on 132 500 for non-life-threatening flood and storm assistance, while Triple Zero remains the contact for life-threatening emergencies.