Major flooding in Logan River as 230mm of rain drenches South East Queensland

Nine people including a six-week-old baby had to be saved from floodwaters overnight as parts of South East Queensland are on major flood alert today, with a new severe thunderstorm warning adding to the drama.

A severe thunderstorm threatening heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding has been issued for parts of South East Queensland after nine people including a newborn baby have been saved from floodwaters overnight as Beaudesert braces for major flooding.

The warning, issued at 4.12pm for people in parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt forecast districts said severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near the area south of Kingaroy.

“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours,” the Bureau of Meteorology said.

“Locations which may be affected include Dalby, Goondiwindi, Inglewood, Chinchilla, Miles and Tara.”

Parts of South East Queensland were hit by torrential downpours late on Friday, with reports of 100mm – more than a month’s rain – in just an hour.

A swift water rescue of campers stranded by floodwaters at Mt Barney in the Scenic Rim. Picture: QFES

Three people including a six-week-old baby were saved from floodwaters at Swan Creek, near Warwick, just after midnight.

Meanwhile, two people had to be saved from two separate vehicles at Tingoora, in the South Burnett, about 7pm, and emergency services took two hours to rescue two campers stranded by floodwaters at Barney View in the Scenic Rim.

An excavator was needed to get to the stranded campers. Picture: QFES

It comes after a man’s body was pulled from ute that became submerged in floodwaters in Central Queensland.

The vehicle was spotted by a member of the public off Gregory Hwy in Hibernia, near Clermont, just after 7am.

“The male driver and sole occupant of the vehicle has been located deceased,” police said in a statement.

Major flooding is occurring in the Logan River at Rathdowney and Boonah, and that is expected to extend to Beaudesert during Saturday morning.

Flash flooding on Friday forced the closure of multiple roads, including the Mt Lindesay Highway, while campers near Mt Barney have been cut off due to rising floodwaters.

Incredible rainfall totals were recorded across South East Queensland, with almost 230mm over five days in the Lockyer Valley town of Forest Hill.

Almost 225mm of rain has fallen at Forest Hill since Monday. Picture: Ann Bichel

There were widespread reports of flash flooding across the South Burnett too, with one Tingoora resident recording 167mm in just two hours on Friday.

Motorists are being warned not to drive through flood water this weekend, with the number of flooded roads on the rise.

TRAFFIC ALERTS IN SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has issued alerts for the following flood affected areas:

– Beaudesert Nerang Road, Tabragalba

At Radkes Bridge

– Clermont Alpha Road, Alpha / Surbiton

Road closed to all traffic

– Prairie Road, Prairie

Muttaburra to Prarie (Hughenden Muttaburra Rd turn off to Flinders Council Boundary)

Restricted to four wheel drive vehicles only

– Diamantina Developmental Road, Adavale/Charleville

Between Charleville and Murweh Shire Boundary

Road open, proceed with caution

– Toowoomba Cecil Plains Road, Norwin

Portable traffic signals in operation between Peters Road and Bowenville Norwin Road

All lanes affected, reduced speed limit (60km/h)

– Gregory Highway, Wyuna

Approximately nine kilometres out of Emerald at Retreat Creek

Road closed to all traffic

– Barwon Highway, Goondiwindi

Approximately one kilometre west of Goodar Road

All lanes affected

Beaudesert Boonah Road, Coulson

Road closed to all traffic, All directions

Leichhardt Highway, Billa Billa

Lane or lanes reduced, All directions.

Police have issued a stark warning to motorists after officers were forced to put their own lives at risk in a number of flood water rescues throughout the Darling Downs area overnight. Picture: Queensland Police

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Helen Reid said South East Queenslanders could expect more thunderstorms and rain today and for the next few days.

“Lots of places have picked up over 70mm, that’s what added to the problems in the rivers because we’ve had such a wet November,” she said.

“Flooding (at this stage) is further inland, but it could get more serious when floodwater heads towards the coast.”

RAINFALL SINCE 9AM FRIDAY

Mt Barney – 133mm

Forest Hill – 126mm

Rathdowney – 114mm

Maroon Dam – 104mm

Grandchester – 100mm

Gatton – 88mm

Upper Springbrook – 61mm

Flooding at Forest Hill after 126mm of rain on Friday. Picture: Ann Bichel

“We’re looking at thunderstorms and dangerous flash flooding for Friday and that will continue into the weekend particularly on the Queensland side of the border,” said Sky News Weather senior meteorologist Tom Saunders.

“River flooding continues in southern Queensland, inland NSW, eastern Victoria and small pockets of central and north east South Australia.

“And the rain will continue for Queensland and NSW into next week.”

A low pressure system has been intensifying as it headed towards the east coast sucking in tropical moisture.

A trough associated with that low is extending up the entire Queensland coast all the way to Cape York.

There could be some respite from the rain on Saturday but on Sunday showers are set to return.

Meteorologists have said that rivers are so swollen that it won’t take much new rain to lead to flooding.

CURRENT FLOOD WARNINGS

Major flood warning for the Logan and Albert Rivers

Moderate flood warning for the Balonne River and Flood Warning for the Condamine River

Moderate flood warning for the lower Macintyre River and Flood Warning for the Weir River

Minor flood warning for the Dawson River and Flood Warning for the Theresa Creek

Minor flood warning for the Kolan River

Minor flood warning for the lower Barcoo River

Minor flood warning for the Moonie River

Minor flood warning for the Paroo River (QLD)

Flood warning for the Bremer River and Warrill Creek catchment

Final flood warning for the Bulloo River

Final flood warning for the Eyre Creek

Final flood warning for the Warrego River (QLD)

Final flood warning for Wallam Creek

Flood watch for catchments in South Eastern Queensland

Initial minor flood Warning for the Cherwell River