Fraser Coast disaster group sends flood text to thousands

A text message has warned thousands of people across the Fraser Coast to prepare for flash-flooding ahead of heavy rain expected this weekend.

A text message has been sent out to thousands of people across the Fraser Coast as the region prepares for further wild weather.

It comes after emergency crews responded to a swiftwater rescue in Bauple on Friday afternoon.

One person was trapped inside a car which had been swept off the road at the Bauple Dr Bruce Hwy exit with multiple fire crews sent to the scene.

In Tiaro, 112mm of rain fell in just a few hours, while 190mm fell in Tin Can Bay.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour, who is also the chairman of the Fraser Coast Local Disaster Management Group, said he had made the decision to have the text sent out to people across the region.

The text warns of the possibility of 200mm of rain in the next 36 to 48 hours across the region and the possibility of flash flooding, such as was seen in Bauple and Tiaro on Friday.

Cr Seymour said the decision had been made on Friday evening to send out the alert to give people time to prepare.

A potential low forming off the coast of Queensland was also cause for concern, especially as the region had already faced two flood emergencies earlier this year.

Cr Seymour used people to avoid flooded roads and to only drive if necessary, when there was heavy rain.

He said overwhelmingly people who got into danger during floods were in their cars, urging people to remember the slogan, if it’s flooded, forget it.

The Mary River at Tiaro and Gympie is expected to reach the minor flood level overnight.

No warning is current for the Mary River at Maryborough.