SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE 24 February

Severe Weather warning 23 Feb 11pm.png

A Severe Weather Warning for INTENSE RAINFALL and DAMAGING WINDS remains in place for the Southeast Coast including the Gold Coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast heavy to intense rainfall redeveloping across southeast Queensland tonight.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL leading to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is likely anywhere within the warning area from early Thursday morning. In these areas, six-hourly rainfall totals up to 300 mm are possible. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if and when very dangerous storms with intense rainfall are detected.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible from early Thursday morning over the Southeast Coast, east of about Maroochydore, Ipswich and the Gold Coast.

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.

* Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it’s flooded, forget it.

* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.

* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

SANDBAGGING STATIONS

Our sandbagging stations will be open from 6am – 6pm on Thursday 24 February.

They are located at:

  • 232 Old Pacific Highway, Pimpama (next to City of Gold Coast Coomera Depot)
  • 46 Boyd Street, Bilinga (use the service road, next to the City of Gold Coast Tugun Depot)
  • 61 Hutchinson Street, Burleigh Heads, (Reedy Creek Waste and Recycling Centre)

Signage is on site to direct motorists to the sandbagging stations. Please drive carefully and to the conditions.

It is important to note that sandbags can reduce the impact of flooding if they’re placed correctly in appropriate locations around property. They are not waterproof and will not stop the water completely.

/Public Release. View in full here.