South-east Queensland has been hit with flash flooding this afternoon, with "very dangerous" thunderstorms bringing intense rainfall to the Gold Coast, parts of Logan, the Scenic Rim, and the Redland City and Brisbane City Council areas.
A weather warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. Photo: Bureau of Meteorology Australia
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued a severe thunderstorm warning for these areas earlier today, with Hotham Creek, south of Beenleigh, recording 113 millimetres in one hour.
In the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim, Mount Tamborine recorded 98mm in less than two hours before 2:15pm. And according to a storm chaser, Mount Nathan recorded 105mm in one hour.
While in Brisbane, Jindalee recorded 70mm in the hour to 3:00pm and Forest Lake recorded 59mm.
Warnings are currently in place for the Redland City, Moreton Bay and Brisbane City Council areas as well as the Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts.
There are also flood warnings in place for the Nerang and Coomera rivers and there is a flood watch for southern parts of Western and Central Queensland and the Darling Downs.
Meteorologist Matt Marshall said the BOM was monitoring the situation very carefully.
"We're seeing intense rainfall rates at the moment, so when you're getting up to the 113mm recorded in an hour, which is what we've observed, it's very likely to lead to flash flooding," he said.
"We're monitoring the situation very closely and updating the warnings as needed.
"There will be further activity all the way up to the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast into today and further rainfall over the coming days as well."
The RACQ said 117 roads across Queensland had been closed due to flooding.
And a number of beaches have closed because of dangerous surf, including Burleigh Heads, Currumbin and Miami Beach.
Mandy Watson, who has lived in Currumbin Valley for decades, said she had never seen such an intense downpour.
"I've seen more rainfall today, in such a short period, than I have in 30 years living in our valley," Watson said.
"I fear it's no way near over."
She said there was no rain damage to her home, but water washed through the stables where she kept her horses.
"We were flat out digging trenches in the rain," she said.
Marshall urged people to keep an eye on the BOM warnings.
"If you're in your car, don't drive through floodwaters. Keep your headlights on and keep an ear out for any further update that we do issue," he said.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is advising people not to drive, walk or ride through flood waters, seek shelter indoors, avoid using the telephone during storms, beware of fallen trees and power lines and to call the SES if emergency assistance is needed.
It follows Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing specialist crews from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) would travel to New South Wales today to assist authorities responding to the unfolding severe weather there.
- ABC