UPDATE @ 11.30A.M | More heavy rain is heading towards The Gold Coast as a rain band associated with the low-pressure system continues to swirl around the southeast.
The system is still sitting off the Sunshine Coast and is forecast to move slowly southwards through Sunday, reaching the Gold Coast area by this evening.
The Bureau is expecting it to remain very close to the southern Queensland coast but does have the potential to move onshore south of Brisbane later on Sunday afternoon and evening.
It’s then tipped to move more rapidly towards the south on Monday.
Widespread 24-hour rainfall totals of up to 150 mm are still possible but some areas of the hinterland could get as much as 300mm.
Upper Springbrook has already recorded 135mm in the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday.
We’re also being warned about strong to gale force winds as that system gets closer to the Gold Coast.
Wind gusts of 56 k/h have been recorded at the Seaway this morning with the potential for those to strengthen this afternoon.
An initial flood warning remains in place for Gold Coast rivers and creeks.
However, Mayor Tom Tate is confident we can avoid widespread inundation.PHOTO: © J Reynolds / Shutterstock.com
“The good news is that the cycle of tides are low when it comes to our flood modelling. So back in the days where you’ve got high tide matching the heavy flood, therefore your flood inundation is really affected,” Mayor Tate said
“This time around, the tides are low so the water can get away and (there’s a) very good chance that there shouldn’t be any house flooring being flooded.”
UPDATE @ 7.45A.M | All Gold Coast beaches have been closed with messy and dangerous conditions along the coast.
A hazardous surf warning is in place with swells of around 2.5 metres expected.
People are being urged to stay well clear of the water and to take care even walking along beaches.
Surf Life Saving Queensland advise that:
- People should consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.
- Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf.
- Boaters planning to cross shallow water and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage.
- Boaters already on the water should carry the appropriate safety equipment and wear a lifejacket.
- Boaters should remember to log on with their local radio base and consider their safety management plan.
EARLIER @ 7.00A.M | A severe weather warning remains in place for the Gold Coast as a low-pressure system creeps our way.
Widespread rain of between 30 and 50mm has already been recorded across the city since 9am Saturday, while Upper Springbrook has so far recorded 84mm.
The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting plenty of rain over the next 12 to 24 hours with rainfall totals of between 90 and 150mm possible.
The heaviest falls should be experienced throughout Sunday morning with the system moving further south and into New South Wales later in the day.
There is also the chance we could see severe thunderstorms embedded in that system which may lead to even higher rainfall totals.
BOM forecast Jess Carey says falls up to 300mm are looking less likely but still can’t be ruled out.
“With these sorts of situations, they’re very dynamic and they can change quite quickly. So that would be the absolute upper limit for localised heavy falls. But generally that sort of 50 to 150 mm over the next 24 hours for most areas of that coastal strip looks fairly likely,” Mr Carey said.
I would suggest that 300 mm over that period looks fairly unlikely at this point but it’s definitely one to watch.”
There is still a major risk of “dangerous and life-threatening” flash flooding across Sunday, particularly about the coast and ranges.
IMAGE: BOM
Initial Flood Warning Issued
A flood watch for Gold Coast rivers and creeks has now been upgraded to an initial flood warning.
The Bureau is warning of the potential for rapid river and creek level rises along the Pimpama, Coomera and Nerang Rivers today as well as Tallebudgera, Currumbin and Mudgeeraba Creeks.
“There are no significant rises going on at the moment. Quite sure there’s some localised stuff happening but, it’s really just to sort of drum up that message that today is really a danger day I suppose, or, a day that we are expecting some significant river level rises,” Mr Carey said.
A flood warning is also in place for parts of the Logan and Albert Rivers at Wolfdene and Beenleigh.
Beaches no-go zones
Beaches are expected to be closed across the Gold Coast on Sunday with an official call to be made later this morning.
Messy and dangerous conditions continue along the coast with swells around 2.5 metres.
A hazardous surf warning remains in place for Gold Coast waters.
Motorists urged to take extra care
Police are also urging motorists to avoid any unnecessary travel on the roads today.
Acting Chief Superintendent Christopher Stream warns things could turn nasty very quickly
“The greatest concern for us is those localised heavy falls and that flash flooding,” Acting C/S Stream said.
“It is difficult to sometimes when you see that localised, heavy flash flooding. People should not rely on warnings for that because those rivers and creeks can rise very, very quickly.”
