Sunshine Coast on alert for heavy rainfall and high tides

The Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group remains on alert as the region continues to brace for severe weather over the coming days.

Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Coordinator Andrew Ryan said the LDMG is expected to fully activate on Thursday morning, with rainfalls of up to 500mm now possible in some areas.

“Heavy rainfall may lead to localised flash flooding, with widespread rainfall totals of 200mm to 400mm expected from Thursday through until the end of Saturday,” Mr Ryan said.

“Forecasts currently indicate that local heavy falls in excess of 500mm are possible.

“Damaging winds are also possible between Double Island Point and Brisbane from Thursday – these wind gusts may reach around 90km per hour, mostly near the coast and ranges.

“The weather system we’re watching is still sitting off the coast and may change course and intensity, or weaken, over the next 24 hours.

“We’re urging the community to prepare early, monitor Council’s Facebook page and Disaster Hub, and have an emergency plan in place in case it is needed.

“Don’t forget to check on your neighbours and remember pets need to be safe during severe weather events as well.”

Mr Ryan said the severe weather would be caused by a tropical low pressure system, now located approximately 1040km north northeast of Bundaberg.

“The low pressure system may intensify into a Category 1 cyclone before crossing the east Queensland coast between St Lawrence and Double Island Point early Friday,” Mr Ryan said.

“A Tropical Cyclone Watch is now current from St Lawrence to Double Island Point.

“The combination of heavy rainfall and high tides means a possibility of localised flooding – the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood watch for the Southeast Coast.

““People should be aware of the dangerous beach, surf and boating conditions which this weather is likely to bring.”

Weather warnings, road closures and other important information can be found on Council’s Disaster Hub at www.disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

For life threatening emergencies call 000.

For emergency help in storms and floods call SES 13 25 00. SES is supplying sandbags and sand.

For regular weather updates, tune into your local radio station.

And remember when it comes to driving through flood waters – if it’s flooded, forget it.