The Gold Coast is now on flood watch, with fresh concerns a potential deepening broad trough could bring extra rainfall and severe storms.
Emergency services and local council are on high alert, while sandbagging stations have reopened in preparation for potential flash flooding.
Helen Reid from the Bureau says the broad trough could deepen off the east coast of south-east Queensland and northern NSW.
“If it does come off we could expect to see some increase in the winds and also we need to be mindful that some of the swell could be picking up along the coast there and extra rainfall as well with thunderstorms,” Ms Reid says.
“We’re looking at what the development of that does, how that eventuates but there is a potential for ongoing rainfall as we go through Sunday and Monday and continuing to Tuesday.”
Currently, the Gold Coast is set to be hit with around 30mm on Friday, and up to 85mm over the weekend.
Sandbagging stations are now open at three locations in Pimpama, Bilinga and Burleigh Heads.
In a statement, Gold Coast council say they are monitoring the weather conditions closely.
“Heavy rainfall is expected in coming hours and over the weekend with the potential for flash flooding,” the statement reads.
“There is also the potential for hazardous surf conditions,
“The City’s disaster preparation is well underway and we are mobilising staff and heavy machinery.”
There are big concerns for some of the city’s low-lying areas, with grounds already sodden.
The Bureau says they’ll be keeping a very close eye on things throughout the weekend.
“We have got the flood team looking very carefully at the rivers and there are discussions as to if a watch or warnings are required over the course of the weekend,” Ms Reid says.
“So, as always, do check back with the Bureau of Meteorology through either the website or app for information regarding not just the weather but also the flooding situation as well.”
Gold Coast beaches remain open at this stage, with a decision to be made tomorrow morning regarding the weekend.
Gold Coast Sandbagging Locations:
- 232 Old Pacific Highway, Pimpama (next to City of Gold Coast Coomera Depot)
- 42-44 Boyd Street, Bilinga (use the service road, next to the City of Gold Coast Tugun Depot)
- 61 Hutchinson Street, Burleigh Heads, (Reedy Creek Waste and Recycling Centre)
