24 February, 2022
BoM issues severe weather warning for Darling Downs
Residents across the eastern Darling Downs should prepare for heavy rainfall as the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a severe weather warning.
The weather warning covers a large area, from the Darling Downs across to the Gold Coast, up to Wide Bay Burnett and everywhere in between.
BoM advise that heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is expected to increase later today (Thursday) and overnight across parts of Southeast Queensland, continuing into Friday.
BoM predicts six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 and 120 mm are likely.
Meanwhile, Queensland Police are warning residents to re-think their need to travel.
Locally intense rainfall along with a damaging wind risk and embedded severe thunderstorm activity can result in extremely hazardous conditions on roadways.
Trying to navigate these hazards, either in vehicles or on foot, can be extremely dangerous as water levels can rise and fall quickly.
Members of the public are urged to avoid flooded roads, creeks and bridges likely to be impacted by rapidly rising water.
Motorists are also reminded that road closures and road conditions can change rapidly.
Queensland Police advise those driving to travel with extreme caution and drive to the prevailing weather and road conditions – plan your trip, allow additional travel time, incorporating travelling at lower speeds, delays and diversions and remember: If It’s Flooded: Forget It and just Back it Up.
Parents are also reminded to ensure their children are not playing in flood prone waterways, watercourses and drains as water levels can rise quickly.
See the BoM weather warning area here.
For local road closures and information from Toowoomba Regional Council, visit their Disaster Dashboard.
