Severe weather warnings have been issued for intense rainfall and potential flash flooding predicted to impact many parts of Queensland and police are urging the community against complacency and are advising people to stay up to date and stay informed – Rainfall forecast maps
Sadly, this year severe weather and flooding has seen motorists, pedestrians and boaties unnecessarily lose their lives and police are again issuing a public plea to heed the warnings and advice of authorities and to re-think their need to travel during intense, heavy or persistent rainfall or severe weather events.
Intense rain, damaging winds and embedded severe thunderstorm activity can result in extremely hazardous conditions on roadways. Trying to navigate these hazards, either in vehicles or on foot, can be treacherous, as water levels rise and fall quickly, and very often with little or no warning.
Members of the public are urged to avoid roads, creeks and bridges likely to be impacted by rapidly rising water, storm debris and flood damage. Motorists are also reminded that road closures and road conditions can and do change rapidly, often within minutes.
Importantly, re-think your need to be on the roads as flash flooding can and does occur without warning, washing away roads, bridges and vehicles. Motorists can easily, and unintentionally, find themselves swept away.
If driving please travel with extreme caution and drive to the prevailing weather and road conditions – plan your trip, allow additional travel time, incorporating travelling at lower speeds, delays and diversions and remember: If It’s Flooded: Forget It and just Back it Up.
Parents are also reminded to ensure their children are not playing in flood prone waterways, watercourses and drains.
Stay up to date with the latest Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warnings including flood warnings and river levels – and Know your weather: Know your risk
It is also important to monitor your local council and local media.
Traffic and road closure information for State government roads (here) and flood water safety advice from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
