Residents of the Moreton Bay region north of Brisbane could be facing further flash flooding after thunderstorms dumped more than 160 mm of rain in the region in three hours.
The City of Moreton Bay has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and monitor emergency warnings as further heavy rainfall threatens the region.
The Bureau of Meteorology reported 168 mm of rainfall at Sheep Station Creek in Morayfield in the three hours to 7:30 am, while several other locations recorded more than 140 mm.
The unexpected intensity of the rainfall meant earlier forecasts had not reached Council’s operational trigger for activating sandbag stations.
It is now reviewing sandbag requirements, responding to flooded roads and making libraries available as places of refuge.
The Bureau reported the following rainfall totals:
- Morayfield: 168 mm at Sheep Station Creek in 3 hours to 7:30 am.
- Mt Reservoir: 163 mm in the 3 hours to 8:30 am.
- Elimbah: 159 mm at Rose Creek Rd in 3 hours to 8:12 am.
- Caboolture: 159 mm at Short St in 3 hours to 7:30 am.
- Burpengary: 141 mm at Mathew Cr in 3 hours to 7:45 am.
SEQ road closure information is here.
A broader severe thunderstorm warning was also current for parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt and Southeast Coast districts.
Road closures and emergency response
The City of Moreton Bay said it was managing multiple weather-related road closures and responding to rapidly changing conditions across the region.
Council libraries are available for refuge, with details published on the Disaster Dashboard (see below).
Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway urged residents to monitor official warnings and local emergency information.
“We’re also asking them to make sure they’re getting the latest information by checking Council’s Disaster Dashboard for local updates on severe weather, road closures, power outages and evacuation centres.
“I also urge people to sign up to severe weather warnings to receive Moreton Alert
“If there’s one thing people should be mindful if it’s if it’s flooded forget it!”
Residents urged to take precautions
Emergency services have advised residents to remain inside sturdy buildings during storms, avoid unnecessary driving and never attempt to cross floodwater.
Residents have also been urged to secure pets, charge mobile phones and power banks, close doors and windows and check on family, friends and neighbours.
People requiring urgent flood or storm assistance should contact the SES on 132 500.
To understand your risks and plan for severe weather season visit: https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Disaster-Management
To understand your flood risk, download your flood check property report: https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Property-Ownership/Flooding/Flood-Check
To sign-up for Moreton Alert, a free SMS, email and voice alert system providing severe weather warnings, bushfire warning messages and other important alerts visit: https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Disaster-Management/MoretonAlerty
The City of Moreton Bay Disaster Dashboard can be accessed at https://disaster.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is Australia’s official source of weather warnings. For more information on weather warnings visit: https://www.bom.gov.au
