Heavy rain, strong winds predicted for South East this afternoon, BOM
Emergency services have responded to a spate of crashes across southeast Queensland as wild weather lashes the region. Nine people have been hurt in a five-car pileup on the Gold Coast, while five people are involved in a crash in Brisbane’s north. SEE THE RADAR
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Heavy rain and thunderstorms have lashed Brisbane and the Gold Coast this afternoon, driven by a large rain band that has already brought double-digit falls to western Queensland.
The rain caused dangerous conditions on southeast Queensland roads, with authorities called to a number of crashes including one involving five cars on the Gold Coast.
Nine people were hurt in the crash which occurred on Kohl St, Upper Coomera, about 4:20pm.
Four were transported by ambulance, including a man in 30s and toddler with neck pain taken to Robina Hospital.
The other two, men in their 30s - one with a suspected spinal injury and the other with generalised muscular pain - were taken to Gold Coast University Hospital.
The remaining five people treated by paramedics declined transport to hospital.
Just five minutes later in Brisbane’s north a crash has paramedics treating five people with injuries.
The crash took place in Burpengary on Uhlmann Rd at 4:27pm.
The Bruce Highway has reopened at Parklands after a crash involving a vehicle towing a speed boat.
Parts of western Queensland have recorded heavy falls with 26mm at Tambo and another 19mm at Isisford.
Toowoomba, Oakey and Gatton have all recorded rain totals of over 12mm since 9am.
By 2.30pm, heavy rain was falling across the Gold Coast as a large rain band covered the region.
The Bureau is predicting up to 15mm of rain could hit the Gold Coast this afternoon, with the area already receiving around 3.5mm.
Wind gusts in excess of 50km/h have been recorded at Archerfield this afternoon while Brisbane Airport recorded gusts of 48km/h at 1pm.
Other parts of southwest Queensland have also been drenched today, with Roma recording 11mm, Mitchell 18mm and Cunnamulla 16mm.
Dalby on the western Darling Downs has recorded 10mm since 9am, while 5mm has fallen at Gatton, just east of Toowoomba.
The RACQ is warning Queenslanders to drive with care and avoid flooded roads.
“Roads may become very slippery, so it’s crucial you slow down and increase the distance between you and the car in front,” spokeswoman Lucinda Ross said.
“Heavy rain can also cause flash flooding, so don’t take any chances with flooded roads.”
Ms Ross urged residents to secure any loose items around their yards and move their vehicles undercover.
“If you have any loose items in your yard, like trampolines or outdoor furniture ... unsecured items can quickly turn into projectiles and go flying into your home or your neighbour’s, causing major damage.”
The wet weather is expected to continue into tonight and could deliver up to 25mm to southern Queensland and Northern NSW coast.
It is driven by a low pressure system making its way east after crossing from South Australia and the Northern Territory.
“The system has already given strong rain to south west Queensland overnight, with it hitting most of inland South Queensland and Northern NSW this morning.” BOM Meteorologist Dean Narramore said.
Mr Narramore said by the weekend the front will have moved south and produced heavy falls on the south coast of NSW.
“The storms will slowly clear off the Queensland coast on Saturday, though they will continue off the tropical north.” He said.
Daytime maximum temperatures will be below average in the west, near average for central and eastern parts.
Mostly light winds over the northern tropics, moderate to fresh northeast to north-westerly winds over the south.
Rivers levels could rise with warnings of possible flooding released.