Floodwaters sweep women, infant into dangerous current near Warwick

Emergency crews used human chains and braved waist-high waters to carry out two dramatic rescues overnight, as floodwaters swept two separate cars into roaring floodwaters.

Three women and a baby were rescued from floodwaters near Warwick overnight, with police issuing a stark warning as the region is placed on flood watch.

Just after 10.40pm police and emergency services were called to the Cunningham Highway at Warwick where water had risen half a metre over Freestone Creek Bridge.

Police entered the fast-flowing waters to rescue two women and an infant from a car.

Just 10 minutes were called out to Jack Smith Gully Road at Swan Creek where another vehicle had been swept into floodwaters.

Police used rope to form a human chain and waded through strong currents and waist-high water pulling the woman through the window to safety.

Darling Downs District Superintendent Danny Shaw said with more rain predicted, now is not the time to be complacent and take chances around flood waters.

“As we can see from these incidents overnight, flash flooding can occur very quickly and without any notice, even on roads that you usually travel on without any issues,” Superintendent Shaw said.

“This type of rain also causes significant structural damage to roads, so even if you think it looks safe, you can never be sure exactly what is underneath the water.

“It’s not worth risking the lives of yourself, your loved ones, and those of emergency services.

“I’m urging residents to use common sense – back away from flooded roadways, delay your journey if necessary. If it’s flooded, forget it.”

The warning comes as more than 30mm of rain was recorded across the region, and the Bureau of Meteorology issued a flood warning for the Southern Downs.

BOM said further showers and thunderstorms are expected over the next few days, increasing already high river levels along the Condamine River, with moderate flooding already being seen at Murrays Bridge.

The Condamine River at Warwick is steady and sitting just under 5m at 4.45pm Saturday.