Hundreds told to leave immediately after 138mm of rain in three hours
Hundreds of residents in Queensland have been told to immediately evacuate their homes after torrential rain prompted multiple flood warnings.
Residents in Sapphire in the Central Highlands were told to move to higher ground by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) early on Wednesday morning.
“Due to heavy rainfall, the Retreat Creek is rising rapidly and major flooding is expected,” it said in an emergency alert.
“Properties in low-lying areas are likely to be impacted. Council advises residents to warn neighbours, secure belongings and move to higher ground now."
Sapphire Caravan and Cabin Park shared video on Facebook of flooded roads. It said the water had cut off access to the township.
Nearby Keilambete recorded 138mm in the three hours to 12.35am.
Clermont, 90km north, received 129.6mm between 1am and 8.30am, with 120mm of that falling in a three-hour period from 2am.
An emergency alert has been issued for residents in the Central Queensland town of Sapphire. The Retreat Creek is rising rapidly due to heavy rainfall. @7NewsCQ @7NewsBrisbane pic.twitter.com/4neJkcGsBy
— Isla Stanich (@IslaStanich) March 16, 2021
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QFES urged residents to look out for fallen trees and powerlines and told residents to avoid driving through flood waters.
Later on Wednesday morning, the Bureau of Meteorology said the severe thunderstorm threat had passed, however dangers had not yet subsided and the conditions should still be monitored.
⚠️ In emergency situations, follow the advice of @QldFES and remember #IfItsFloodedForgetIt. Initial Flood Watch for central and southern interior Queensland current. See all #QLDweather warnings https://t.co/w3bRfHZdnp pic.twitter.com/c0vQqvyHoT
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 16, 2021
There are flood warnings for the Bulloo and Diamantina rivers and minor flood warnings for the Paroo and upper Warrego rivers.
While the Bureau of Meteorology said on Tuesday La Niña was nearing its end, March and April would prove to be wetter than average in northern and eastern parts of Australia.
State capital Brisbane is forecast for a day of rain, with up to 20mm expected in the city.
South of the border, the rain will ease for Sydney with just 3mm forecast on Wednesday.
Darwin can expect up to 30mm while all other state capitals will enjoy sunshine apart from Canberra which will be cloudy.
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