Brisbane weather: Severe storm warning issued

SEVERE storms brought heavy rainfalls and fierce winds to several southeast Queensland centres on Sunday night.

SEVERE storms brought heavy rainfalls and fierce winds to several southeast Queensland centres on Sunday night.

A thunderstorm warning for the southeast was cancelled about 8.13pm.

A severe storm is forecast for Brisbane. Picture: BOM

Earlier the slow-moving storms moved from west of Brisbane into northside suburbs and then Sunshine Coast regions, bringing with them torrential rains.

The weather bureau reports 99mm of rain was recorded at Mt Mee in one hour.

WEST BRACING FOR FLOODS

RESCUE crews are being deployed around the state as concern about flooding rises.

The low pressure system, which caused last week’s flooding in Townsville, is now hovering over the state’s north-west and Fire and Rescue swift water rescue crews, as well as SES flood boat crews, are being deployed.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said a Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) swift water rescue crew (four people) had been deployed to Winton, and a second crew (four people) to Longreach.

9 year old Cloncurry twins Paul and Tim Coffison run through floodwaters outside the Cloncurry Bakery after a deluge of much needed rain fell over drought stricken North West Queensland overnight. Photo Lachie Millard

Mr Crawford said an SES flood boat (four in crew, and an Operational Capability Officer) had been also sent to Winton, and a second boat (six in crew with SES Controller) to Longreach.

“QFES is working closely with other agencies, including local governments, to ensure local personnel are ready to respond to the severe weather forecast in

parts of inland Queensland,’’ Mr Crawford said.

Cloncurry locals walk through flash flooding to stock up on supplies as roads east and west from town are cut off after the region received a deluge of rain up to 300mm in some locations overnight. Photo Lachie Millard

“Additional QFES crews have been deployed to the affected areas to bolster the response capability.

“There has already been heavy rainfall in some areas, and with predictions of isolated falls of up to 300mm, QFES personnel are monitoring the situation

closely.

“Certainly, this rain is welcome and while there has been no major impact at this stage, plans and personnel are in pace to support local communities if

required.’’

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

* Move your car under cover or away from trees.

* Secure loose outdoor items.

* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.

* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.

ends.

WHAT’S BEHIND ALL THE RAIN?

The low pressure system was 180km southeast of Mount Isa at noon and expected to move northward this afternoon.

Southeast Queensland, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast hinterland, can also expect rain on Sunday afternoon, courtesy of that moist air mass extending across much of the state.

Cloncurry resident Jamie-Lea McConachey braves the wet weather to stock up on supplies yesterday. Picture: Lachie Millard

A spokesman from the Bureau of Meteorology said the low pressure system which has brought flooding rain to North Queensland in recent days was about 50km southeast of the Monument Airport near Mount Isa at noon.

“It is currently moving eastwards and we are expecting it to move north this afternoon, meaning areas such as Cloncurry could be receiving more rainfall,’’ the spokesman said.

The highest falls are expected around Brighton Downs, a 420,000ha cattle station near Winton forecast to receive around 90mm over a six-hour period.

But the BOM spokesman said the system carried with it the potential for heavier falls reaching up to 300mm over 24 hours.

In areas further south, graziers around the town of Barcaldine might have reason to smile after 38mm of rain was recorded since 9am, while Isisford in the Longreach region received 27mm in the same period.

A swollen Cloncurry River after heavy rains soaked the northwest of Queensland. Picture: Lachie Millard

However, Longreach itself, which has struggled with drought for much of the past decade, received just 0.2mm.

The state’s southeast remain on track to experience some unsettled weather this afternoon as the moist air mass brings storms to the area.