As Queensland braces for up to 500mm of rain over the next week, authorities are urging road users to exercise caution, with numerous roads now closed due to flooding.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall across large parts of northern Queensland.
It says six-hourly totals of 60-100mm are expected for some areas and locally intense six-hourly rainfalls in excess of 200mm are also possible in some areas of the North Tropical Coast.
The Bureau adds that a flood watch currently covers 68 per cent of Queensland.
“Riverine flooding is occurring in multiple river systems ranging from minor to major flood levels. Forecast rainfall will likely result in renewed and fresh river rises. Flash flooding is possible with more intense rainfall,” said the Bureau.
“This system will affect inland Queensland most strongly today before becoming more focused around coastal north and coastal central Queensland during Wednesday and Thursday.”
Over the past 24 hours, areas that received the biggest drenching include 107mm at Topaz, 97mm at Kirby, 94mm at Jarra Creek, 90mm at The Boulders, and 89mm at Coops Corner.
Queensland’s south east has also experienced heavy falls, with 24 hour rainfall totals of 200mm Coolum West, 160mm at Doonan Creek, 159mm at Yandina Creek, 142mm at Coolum and 133mm at Sunshine Coast airport.
From today, daily rainfall totals of up to 250mm are expected across parts of North and Central Queensland.
In the south east, forecasted rainfall is up to 195mm for Brisbane, 140mm for the Gold Coast and 270mm for the Sunshine Coast between today and Friday.
For the latest on road closures, please visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.