Wet weather inundates South East Queensland
The wet weather which has inundated much of Central Queensland over the past few days has hit the south-east, causing traffic chaos.
The Bureau of Meteorology released its latest severe weather warning at 6:13 pm(AEST) saying the heaviest falls are now occurring in the Caboolture area and also in the western Wide Bay and Burnett district, associated with a thunderstorm near Mundubbera.
Dozens of roads around the region have been closed throughout the day after the heavy downpour caused flash flooding.
Some drivers have been caught out ignoring the warnings and travelling through water-covered roads.
The State Emergency Service has received 364 requests for assistance in the south-east region since 6.30am(AEST) today.
Most of those requests have been in parts of South East Queensland and are thought to be predominantly related to flooding and roof damage.
Stalemate on Gold Coast roads as the flood waters rise. Details tonight @7NewsBrisbane pic.twitter.com/HwCzluVhqW
— Paul Burt (@paulburt07) January 23, 2015
And THAT's why you don't drive into floodwater. Swift water rescue team called to a swamped van at Wacol #7newsq pic.twitter.com/BKpbs7ggP0
— Julie Korner (@JulieKorner) January 23, 2015
A number of swift water rescues have also been carried out by technicians.
One motorist who was stranded in two-metre-deep floodwaters at Bukulla Street, Wacol was rescued by firefighters at around midday.
Another driver had to be rescued from Bonogin Creek Road, Bonogin.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services says specialist water rescue technicians are still on stand-by.
Late this afternoon two children had to cling to a rock wall after being swept away down a causeway.
It's thought they jumped off a bridge in a rubber boat before they got flipped out of it.
Two people were taken to hospital following an accident on the Gold Coast at about 12.15pm (AEST), where a car and tram collided.
It's thought one of them had suffered a broken collarbone.
Authorities say it's believed the drivers didn't see each other and are again reminding motorists to drive to the conditions.
Birds eye view of the raging floodwaters...get the full close up story tonight only on 7. @7NewsBrisbane pic.twitter.com/XzwkVG6Ciw
— Paul Burt (@paulburt07) January 23, 2015
7News Meteorologist Tony Auden said heavy rain will continue well into the evening right across the south-east.
He said, "Brisbane received a 24 hour total of 100mm to 9am (AEST) this morning, which is the highest amount in two years since ex-cyclone Oswald affected the region.
"The high tide this morning combined with the heavy falls contributed to flash flooding around parts of the region."
Some of the highest falls today have been recorded on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
At 6.30pm(AEST) Tallebudgera Creek had seen 178mm since 9am, while an area near Cooroy on the Sunshine Coast has had 167mm during that time.
Rapid rises with minor stream flooding (green triangles) across the SE. #bneweather #FloodedForgetIt @7NewsBrisbane pic.twitter.com/UoquHz1Z1b
— Tony Auden (@TonyAuden) January 23, 2015
Mudgeeraba Showgrounds goes under again...#7newsq pic.twitter.com/M9px9nN0x8
— Julie Korner (@JulieKorner) January 23, 2015
The rain has however brought temperatures down.
The wet weather is expected to ease overnight or in the morning with temperatures set to increase for the long weekend.