Soggy Qld preparing for 150mm more of rain on Tuesday, BOM warns flooding could be ‘life-threatening’

Soaked parts of Queensland are bracing for another 150mm of rain on Tuesday, with experts warning the weather could be ‘life-threatening’.

Queenslanders are being told to brace for “life-threatening” flooding, as the already soaked southeast could be pelted with another 150mm on Tuesday.

In what has been described by the Premier as a “rain-bomb”, the extreme weather event lashing Queensland is set to continue “for at least another day”.

At 4.30am, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning for the southeast, saying heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is likely around the Darling Downs and Granite Belt, and Southeast Corner on Tuesday, continuing overnight into Wednesday morning.

⚠️ Severe weather warning update⚠️ Rainband bringing heavy rainfall to southern and southeast Queensland today and tonight. Flood Watch and warnings are current #IfItsFloodedForgetIt. Latest warning details and updates: https://t.co/jc45yRSZifpic.twitter.com/NfslS8sCGx

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 22, 2021

“The situation is likely to pose a serious risk to areas already affected by heavy rainfall, including the risk of landslips in steep terrain,” the warning said.

“In these areas, the situation may become life-threatening.

“Six hour rainfall totals of 100-150 mm are likely, and locally heavier falls are possible with thunderstorms.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said nearly 20 schools in the Sunshine State had been forced to close amid the destructive rain and flash flooding, while a major flood watch has been issued for the Logan and Albert rivers.

⚠️ Major #Flood Warning for the Logan River with major flooding expected at #Beaudesert and moderate flooding for the Albert River. See https://t.co/SalPzx1Wh1 for details and updates. Follow the advice of @QldFES and remember #ifitsfloodedforgetit. pic.twitter.com/YzCrUlctw3

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 22, 2021

“We ask everyone in those areas to especially listen to broadcasts,” Ms Palaszczuk said on Tuesday.

“The bureau advises locally damaging wind gusts will be possible with any severe thunderstorms through the Central and South Eastern interior of the state during this afternoon and into this evening.

“The soaking rain increases the risk of flash flooding from more falls expected today.”

Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said the next 24 hours would pose a challenge, and warned against complacency.

“Flash flooding will continue to be a risk, particularly in streams or creeks that respond quickly to heavy short duration of rainfalls and landslides are also possible, especially in areas of steep terrain, and we‘ve already seen examples of that in the Gold Coast hinterland,” he told parliament.

“Yesterday Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and the State Emergency Service assisted with the rescue of 23 people. I urge people to be prepared and remain vigilant.

“A severe weather warning is in place, and people need to be aware of the risks, stay well away from flood water and avoid unnecessary travel on the roads.”

Parts of southeast Queensland received more than 200mm in the 24 hours to Tuesday morning.

It comes after the state was drenched with heavy rainfall on Monday night, including at North Tamborine, where 213mm has fallen since 9am Monday.

Upper Springbrook recorded 191mm in the same time period. Further east on the Gold Coast, Hotham Creek recorded 170mm. At North Stradbroke Island, 196mm was recorded.

Meanwhile, the Maranoa and Warrego districts are also bracing for heavy rainfall on Tuesday, which may lead to flash flooding.

Six-hour rainfall totals of 50-70 mm are likely, and locally heavier falls are possible with thunderstorms.

Areas likely to be affected include Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Warwick, Stanthorpe, Kingaroy, Dalby, Goondiwindi, Roma, Charleville and St George.

A separate flood watch is current for southern parts of Queensland, stretching all the way from the South Australian border to the southeast.

Queensland Police officers block the access to a bridge on Tamborine Oxenford Road at Wongawallen after torrential rain caused the creek to break its banks. NCA NewsWire / Scott Powick

While the coastal convergence is weakening on Tuesday, a new system coming from the west will be responsible for hitting the soaked state with more rain.

On Monday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk pleaded for Queenslanders to stay off the roads.

“We want everyone to be on alert over the next 24 hours,” she said on Monday.

Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said it wasn’t worth the risk.

“We are in a situation at the moment where very heavy downfalls of rain are occurring in very short periods of time, which is leading to dangerous situations arising very suddenly,” he said.

The SES has received more than 520 call-outs since Monday morning.