Flood information - links

[ozbob]

512 km composite Bowen Radar Loop
BOM > https://t.co/kl52A69JgK pic.twitter.com/2CcTFBTt7j

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 27, 2017

[ozbob]

256 km Bowen Radar Loop
BOM > https://t.co/9ooMyV7lLn pic.twitter.com/L0FScD0ne4

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 27, 2017

512 km composite Bowen Radar Loop
BOM > https://t.co/kl52A69JgK pic.twitter.com/7T9JyqjSzr

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 27, 2017

[ozbob]

512 km composite Bowen Radar Loop
BOM > https://t.co/kl52A69JgK pic.twitter.com/Rp3KQOydgI

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 28, 2017

[ozbob]

#CycloneDebbie is crossing the coast between #Bowen and #AirlieBeach. Stay updated at https://t.co/FBmpsInT9o pic.twitter.com/w0XcgFLPXL

— BOM Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 28, 2017

[ozbob]

512 km composite Mackay Radar Loop (Bowen radar damaged by CD)
BOM > https://t.co/Ojb8btvgOu pic.twitter.com/awlgwq0dn2

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 28, 2017

[ozbob]

28th March 2017

Media Release
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Townsville-based Brigadier appointed State Recovery Coordinator

Townsville-based Australian Army Brigadier Christopher Field, AM, CSC, Commander 3rd Brigade Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, will coordinate Queensland's recovery efforts following Cyclone Debbie, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

Ms Palaszczuk said Brigadier Field, as State Recovery Coordinator, would lead the recovery efforts.

"Brigadier Field has extensive experience in the Australian Army," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"He is based in North Queensland and he knows North Queensland, having served four postings and nine years in Townsville.

"Brigadier Field is also well-versed in reconstruction after natural disasters in Queensland and served as Chief of Operations and Plans for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority after the 2011 floods and Cyclone Yasi.

In this role, he led whole-of-government coordination, and a team to design and develop the strategic, operational, and tactical level disaster recovery and reconstruction plans.

"He is not only a highly regarded leader, he also has extensive experience in the Australian Army, coordinating logistics and planning.

"Communities in the north have been through a lot in the past few days and I want to reassure people we are here and assistance is at hand.

"I thank Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for making Brigadier Field available for this important role."

Ms Palaszczuk said the State Recovery Coordinator's role is primarily focused on ensuring a coordinated approach so communities recover as quickly as possible.

Brigadier Field is a fellow of the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies and a distinguished graduate of the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College.

He is a graduate of the: Australian Institute of Company Directors; Australian and United States Joint Task Force Command courses; United States Marine Corps School of Advanced Warfighting; Royal Military College, Duntroon; and, Australian Defence Force Academy

He is a director of Ronald McDonald House North Queensland and a member of the Townsville District Community Policing Board and the Regional Managers' Coordination Network, Townsville.

Brigadier Field's CV is attached.

Brigadier Chris Field AM, CSC
Commander 3rd Brigade
Commander Joint Task Force 661, Operation Queensland
Assist 2017

Brigadier Chris Field has served four postings and nine years in
Townsville. He has served 18 months as Commander 3rd Brigade and was appointed
Commander Joint Task Force 661 on 26 March 2017.

As a Lieutenant, he commanded a rifle platoon, which included service in Malaysia, and
served as mortar line officer in 2nd/4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.

As a Captain, he served as a military observer with the United Nations Truce Supervision
Organisation in Israel, Syria, and Lebanon.

As a Major, he commanded companies in 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment,
and was operations officer during the Battalion's deployment as a lead infantry unit to East
Timor.

As a Lieutenant Colonel, he was a planner with the Third US Army / US Army Central
during the initial phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He then commanded 1st Battalion,
The Royal Australian Regiment. During this command, within 18-hours of notification, he
led a deployment to the Solomon Islands and assumed command of Coalition Joint Task
Force 635.

As a Colonel, following the 2011 natural disasters in Queensland, he was Chief of
Operations and Plans, Queensland Reconstruction Authority. Prioritising whole-ofgovernment coordination,
he led a team to design and develop the strategic, operational,
and tactical level Queensland State Government Disaster Recovery & Reconstruction Plans.

As a Brigadier, he was Deputy Commanding General - Force Development, 82nd Airborne
Division / Combined Joint Task Force 82, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He then served as
Chief of Staff, Forces Command, Head of Corps, Royal Australian Infantry and
Regimental Colonel, The Royal Australian Regiment.

He is a fellow of the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies and a distinguished
graduate of the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College.
He is a graduate of the: Australian Institute of Company Directors; Australian and United
States Joint Task Force Command courses; United States Marine Corps School of
Advanced Warfighting; Royal Military College, Duntroon; and, Australian Defence Force
Academy.

He is a director of Ronald McDonald House North Queensland and a member of the
Townsville District Community Policing Board and the Regional Managers' Coordination
Network, Townsville.

Brigadier Field is married to Sarah Kendall, who is a Townsville City Council Executive
Officer and a member of the Townsville Health and Hospital Board.

[ozbob]

512 km composite Mackay Radar Loop
BOM > https://t.co/Ojb8btvgOu pic.twitter.com/VT8edB9tEB

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 28, 2017

[ozbob]

#CycloneDebbie is now a category 1 system though its impacts will remain significant as it continues tracking southward over land. pic.twitter.com/hPPZr91jQD

— BOM Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 28, 2017

[ozbob]

#CycloneDebbie has now been downgraded to a severe weather system. Currently located 80 kilometres west southwest of Collinsville. #alert pic.twitter.com/70fr73zPY9

— QPS Media Unit (@QPSmedia) March 28, 2017

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20032.html



IDQ20032
Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland Regional Office

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING
for DAMAGING WINDS, HEAVY RAINFALL and ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES

For people in the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia and parts of the Central West and Maranoa and Warrego Forecast Districts.

Issued at 2:58 am Wednesday, 29 March 2017.

Headline:

Heavy rain and damaging wind gusts are currently affecting the Central Coast and Whitsundays and Central Highlands and Coalfields districts.

Synoptic Situation:

At 3am EST Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie was located over inland central Queensland about 80 kilometres west southwest of Collinsville and 145 kilometres northwest of Moranbah. The system is expected to continue moving southwards over the central interior of the state today before tracking southeastwards during Thursday.

Impacts:

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie will continue to generate areas of very heavy rain over the Central Coast and Whitsundays and Central Highlands and Coalfields districts today. Currently the heaviest rainfall is occurring over areas north of about Springsure to Yeppoon though the heavy rain bands will slip further south through the remaining central interior with the system today. Widespread daily rainfall totals of 150 to 250 mm are expected, with significantly higher totals possible locally. This rainfall will likely be very intense at times, leading to a risk of localised flash flooding. Locations that may be affected include Mackay, Sarina, Carmila, Yeppoon, Moranbah, Clermont, Emerald, Springsure and Rolleston.

The focus for heavy rain will then shift south and extend into the southeastern quarter of the state during Thursday, with further daily rainfall totals in excess of 200mm possible.

This rainfall is likely to lead to major river flooding over a broad area this week, and a Flood Watch is current for coastal catchments between Ayr and the New South Wales border, extending inland to parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Maranoa and Warrego, and Darling Downs and Granite Belt forecast districts.

Damaging winds, with peak gusts of around 120km/h, are occurring in the warning area, particularly about the coast and islands and also over higher ground inland. Currently the strongest wind gusts are affecting areas north of about Emerald to St Lawrence though the possibility of damaging wind gusts should shift to the remaining warning area as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie tracks south southeastwards tonight. Into Thursday the focus for damaging wind gusts will likely shift to the Capricornia coast and then possibly to the remaining coast near and south of Fraser Island during Thursday afternoon and evening.

Water levels on the high tide could exceed the highest tide of the year over the warning area north of St Lawrence today, leading to some local inundation.

[ozbob]

.@NASANPP provided this look of Tropical Cyclone Debbie as it made landfall in Queensland bringing heavy rainfall: https://t.co/PKLkMW7TMI pic.twitter.com/Ya5p0LLlj2

— NASA (@NASA) March 28, 2017

[#Metro]

^ I wonder if that PHON senator thinks this image is a NASA Hoax 

[ozbob]

Rain on the way for SEQ, tracking south
BOM
512 km composite Brisbane (Mt Stapylton) Radar Loop
> https://t.co/sW6uWdFthe pic.twitter.com/FVUUjjXBje

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 28, 2017

Going to be progressively wet for the next few days in SEQ.  Heavy rain tomorrow (Thursday)

See > http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/brisbane.shtml?ref=hdr for Brisbane

[ozbob]

29th March 2017

Media Release
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Premier pledges $1 million to help charities delivery cyclone relief

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced a $1 million donation to assist four leading charities deliver urgent services and support communities devastated by Cyclone Debbie.

Ms Palaszczuk said the Australian Red Cross Society, Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society of Queensland and UnitingCare Community would all receive $250,000 in funding.

"My Government is committed to supporting cyclone-ravaged communities rebuild in the wake of Cyclone Debbie," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"Delivering an injection of funds straight to these charities means they can immediately begin rolling out support services to parts of north Queensland devastated by Cyclone Debbie.

"These four charities have a track record of delivering critical support to communities on the ground in the aftermath of a major Tropical Cyclone."

Ms Palaszczuk encouraged people to get behind the disaster response and dig deep to support charities raising funds to help cyclone-hit regions

"Communities face a long road ahead to get back on their feet, which is why it is critical charities are supported in the field to help people during this phase of the recovery," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The scale of the disaster is significant and there is a lot of work ahead of us to repair damage and help people put their lives back together.

"I know many Australians will dig deep and I encourage them to give to a respected charity with experience responding to community needs in the wake of a disaster."

Ms Palaszczuk encouraged anyone wanting to help their fellow Queenslanders to make a donation directly with a respected charity:

    Australian Red Cross Society —1800 811 700 redcross.org.au
    The Salvation Army — 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) salvos.org.au/
    St Vincent de Paul Society of Queensland — 3010 1002 vinnies.org.au/donate
    UnitingCare Community — 1800 001 953 uccommunity.org.au/disaster-relief

The Premier said these four major charities had already mobilised to assist with the recovery and had staff and volunteers trained to respond.

"These charities are trained to respond to the needs of communities hit by natural disasters and can provide food, equipment, shelter, and other support," she said.

Goods and services can also be donated to GIVIT through their website www.givit.org.au

[ozbob]

29th March 2017

Media Release
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Queensland dams outlook following Cyclone Debbie

Dams across Queensland are being closely monitored by SunWater and Seqwater following Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

Minister for Water Supply Mark Bailey said that widespread heavy rainfall is predicted from now ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie and Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a flood watch for coastal catchments between Ayr and the NSW border.

North and Central Queensland

"Early warning community communications for a range of SunWater dams in the affected area have been issued," Mr Bailey said.

"As expected, dams in the Bowen and Mackay areas are currently experiencing inflows and minor downstream flows are occurring.

"Significant increases in outflows are likely to occur within the next 72 hours.

"SunWater is continuing to closely monitor dam levels and weather patterns. Further updates will be provided as required including posts on social media, notifications via the SunWater App and SMS to nearby downstream residents."

Affected dams:

    Burdekin Falls Dam (175km s/w of Ayr) is at 105.9% capacity and spilling since 18 January
    Teemburra Dam (60km w of Mackay) is at 108.9% capacity and spilling since 26 March into Pioneer catchment outflow rate increasing (This is the highest recorded flood for this dam)
    Eungella Dam (80km w of Mackay) is at 110.5%  capacity and spilling since 7 March
    Kinchant Dam (near North Eton) is currently at 118.2% capacity and releases commenced to Sandy Creek
    Peter Faust Dam (near Proserpine)is currently at 71% capacity

Other Dams:

    Fairbairn Dam 44%
    Callide Dam 65%
    Cania Dam 70%
    Fred Haigh Dam 86%
    Paradise Dam 73%

All members of the community are encouraged to download the SunWater App and follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

SunWater water storage levels are updated regularly and can be found here: www.sunwater.com.au/__data/win/reports/win_storages.htm

South East Queensland

Mr Bailey said forecasts issued today from the BOM indicate that South East Queensland may experience significant rainfall from the influence of Tropical Cyclone Debbie from Thursday to Friday.

"Operational releases from Somerset Dam into Wivenhoe Dam will be made today to balance current stored water supply volumes between the dams - These releases will not impact flooding downstream of Wivenhoe Dam," Mr Bailey said.

"Wivenhoe Dam and North Pine Dam are not currently releasing floodwater and are not likely to within the next 24 to 36 hours.

"Seqwater is continuing to closely monitor conditions and forecasts that may affect SEQ catchments and their Flood Operations Centre will go on alert today." 

    South East Queensland's combined water storage capacity is currently 71.7%.
    Currently Wivenhoe Dam is at 67.9%, Somerset Dam is 74.5% and North Pine Dam is 51.5%. The floodwater storage compartments at Wivenhoe Dam and Somerset Dam are fully available.
    Ungated dams, Hinze Dam, Little Nerang Dam, Wyaralong Dam and Wappa Dam, are currently spilling.

Seqwater provides a free Dam Release Notification service which sends notifications by email, text messages to mobile phones to telephone landlines when dam releases are occurring. To sign up go to www.seqwater.com.au/dam-release-information-service or download the Seqwater app.

Dam level information is updated every 2 hours on the Seqwater website: http://seqwater.com.au/water-supply/dam-levels

ENDS

[ozbob]

512 km composite Gympie (Mt Kanigan) Radar Loop
BOM https://t.co/zWMPnvaPtb pic.twitter.com/JPDYqps38T

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 29, 2017

[ozbob]

512 km composite Brisbane (Mt Stapylton) Radar Loop
BOM > https://t.co/ZbWn7FlHqd
Wet day looms Troops! 🚣🏻🛀🏻💧 💦 ☔️ pic.twitter.com/QQZyppF4IQ

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 29, 2017

[ozbob]

Massive area of steady rain - tracking south
BOM
512 km composite Gladstone Radar Loop
> https://t.co/Vrp62OSCQ7 pic.twitter.com/OCbSq3UVgx

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 29, 2017

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20038.html

IDQ20038
Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland Regional Office

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for HEAVY RAINFALL

For people in parts of the
Scenic Rim and
Gold Coast Council Areas.

Issued at 5:15 am Thursday, 30 March 2017.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce very heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.

Locations which may be affected include the McPherson Range, Springbrook, Numinbah Valley, Little Nerang Dam, Tallebudgera and the area south of Canungra.

186mm in 3 hours has fallen at Numinbah.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it's flooded, forget it.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

The next warning is due to be issued by 6:15 am.

[curator49]

Unfortunately there is no cure for stupidity. I left homer at 5:00 am to come to work in Ipswich and arrived a nervous wreck.
Drive to the conditions everyone is told so if they see a road sign that says 100 km/hr that is what they think they should do (or more in some instances) despite there being water across the road, rain so heavy it is hard to see very far ahead even with the windscreen wipers going flat out and - it is dark.
There were some sections on the Ipswich Motorway and Warrego Highway that I (and a few in front of me) were down to 60 km/hr with generally our top speeds being 70 to 80 km/hr yet cars and B-Double Trucks would come flying up behind us (we were in the left hand lane) before running into the back of me they would swing across into the right hand lane cutting off others already in that lane. At one point, on the Warrego, I had a Tarago, come up very close behind me before realising and swung into the right hand lane just in front of a B-Double truck which must have been doing 110 at least. If the truckie had had to touch his brakes he would have jack-knifed and I would not be here now having a bit of a bitch.
I have been told to go home now as the Museum is closed for the day.

[techblitz]

ill give it an hour and beaudesert rd at rocklea will be under and closed..... oxley creek around blunder rd as well....there goes the Ipswich motorway......so long 110/100/115......probably wont even bother venturing out today.....

[Cazza]

All schools from Agnes Waters to the Qld/NSW border are closed today (both public and independent).

[techblitz]

deputy premier just announced free public transport from 10am......

[techblitz]

looks like QR have pulled through pretty well so far....lots of thankyous's on thier social media page 

[BrizCommuter]

Roads are very bad at the moment with localised flooding (on route 390 at the moment). If you can leave work I would leave ASAP!

[STB]

Yup, the Register has emailed all students that QUT will be shut down from 12pm today.  One of those stay in bed and enjoy listening to the rain days .

[ozbob]

https://translink.com.au/service-updates/122056

Free travel from 10am - SEQ weather

There will be free travel after 10am today for the rest of the day.

Please don't touch on with your go card or buy a paper ticket. If you accidentally touch on, we'll automatically process a refund. No need to call 13 12 30.

---

There are rumours that services will stop running at midday. This is not true. We will continue to run services where it's safe to do so. We're monitoring conditions and we'll continue to update our channels with the latest info.

[ozbob]

512 km composite Brisbane (Mt Stapylton) Radar Loop
BOM > https://t.co/sW6uWdFthe pic.twitter.com/6agaY5O7KM

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 30, 2017

[ozbob]

256 km Brisbane (Mt Stapylton) Radar Loop
BOM > https://t.co/BEXMPxIhga
lots of rain hey? pic.twitter.com/YjGlNsqidb

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 30, 2017

[ozbob]

512 km composite Brisbane (Mt Stapylton) Radar Loop
BOM > https://t.co/sW6uWdFthe
Very significant rain event .. pic.twitter.com/HM2rUYe0L9

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 30, 2017

[ozbob]

https://translink.com.au/service-updates/122056

FAQs - SEQ weather

Our contact centre is taking a lot of calls so we've posted answers to the most common queries below.

Q: Is my service running?
A: Services are running where it's safe to do so. We're in touch with our delivery partners and posting updates as we receive them – the easiest way to stay up-to-date on your service is to download the MyTransLink app and 'favourite' your service – we'll send you a notification if we're aware of any issues. Alternatively, follow us on Twitter (@TransLinkSEQ) where we post all disruptions we're aware of, or check the TransLink website. Please avoid unnecessary travel and expect delays across the entire TransLink network. You can access real-time service information via the app.

Q: Are services going to be cancelled later today?
A: We will continue to run services as long as it is safe to do so. There is currently no plan to cancel all services. However, conditions may change, so we strongly recommend you avoid any unnecessary travel today and check our website regularly for the latest service disruption information.

Q: I touched on this morning and wasn't able to touch off – will I receive a fixed fare?
A: No. If you touched on before 10am and you weren't able to touch off, we will automatically refund your fixed fare. No need to call us! Refunds will be automatically applied in the coming weeks.

Q: I travelled before 10am, do I get free travel?
A: Free travel applies after 10am. If you touched on before 10am and you weren't able to touch off due to a system issue, we will automatically refund your fixed fare. If you accidentally touched on after 10am, we will refund you. If you bought a paper ticket after 10am, please contact us via our web form.

---

There will be free travel after 10am today for the rest of the day.

Please don't touch on with your go card or buy a paper ticket. If you accidentally touch on, we'll automatically process a refund. No need to call 13 12 30.

---

There are rumours that services will stop running at midday. This is not true. We will continue to run services where it's safe to do so. We're monitoring conditions and we'll continue to update our channels with the latest info.

---

Parts of South East Queensland are currently experiencing heavy rainfall, which may lead to localised flooding.

We have been notified that all South East Queensland schools are closed today. The safety of students, teachers and community members is the department's highest priority.

We're working with Queensland Rail, Transport for Brisbane, GoldLinQ and private bus operators to assess local conditions and impacts to public transport services. 

Please download the MyTransLink app and favourite your service, or check TransLink website for the most up-to-date information about service impacts. We recommend you avoid unnecessary travel.

[ozbob]

512 km composite Grafton Radar Loop
BOM > https://t.co/Raz6SdWf93 pic.twitter.com/ySa7zllHP7

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 30, 2017

[ozbob]

512 km composite Gladstone Radar Loop
BOM > https://t.co/Vrp62OSCQ7
early signs of relief .. pic.twitter.com/EvGyL7dqQ5

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 30, 2017

[ozbob]

Impressive
128 km Brisbane (Mt Stapylton) Radar Loop
BOM > https://t.co/JOJyW2IEc0 pic.twitter.com/rbHLftIrBA

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 30, 2017

[ozbob]

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for destructive winds. Winds will continue to be a concern with this system. https://t.co/FBmpsIFu0W pic.twitter.com/Zcx4wf8IR7

— BOM Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 30, 2017

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20038.html

IDQ20038
Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland Regional Office
The Standard Emergency Warning Signal should NOT be used with this message.

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for DESTRUCTIVE WINDS

For people in parts of the
Gympie and
Noosa Council Areas.

Issued at 4:37 pm Thursday, 30 March 2017.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 2:25 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Rainbow Beach and Wide Bay. These thunderstorms are moving towards the south. They are forecast to affect waters off Noosa Heads, the area north of Noosa Heads and Lake Cooloola by 3:25 pm.

Destructive winds are likely.

Double Island Point recieved a 124km/h wind gust at 4:35pm

[Stillwater]

Folks, while the rain is torrential, be prepared for strong winds - sufficiently strong to blow the patio furniture about.  Secure loose items.

[ozbob]

Rain has stopped at Goodna for a while (marked on map, I use railways for navigation on BOM maps,don't we all? lolhttps://t.co/CqIMhPL9k5 pic.twitter.com/BLYraFHViE

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 30, 2017

[red dragin]

Folks, while the rain is torrential, be prepared for strong winds - sufficiently strong to blow the patio furniture about.  Secure loose items.

Stored mine this morning, even made a hiding spot for the dog, cause, you know he never uses his kennel.

[ozbob]

G'day! Almost gone ...
BOM
512 km composite Brisbane (Mt Stapylton) Radar Loophttps://t.co/sW6uWdFthe pic.twitter.com/U1VM0TMPDd

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 30, 2017

[ozbob]

9 News --> Cyclone Debbie's tail batters SE Qld

The trail of destruction caused by the tail of Cyclone Debbie will become clearer with expected heavy rains and flash floods ripping through south-east Queensland overnight.

Category four winds and associated rain that blasted the northern coastline have turned towards the inland and the south of the state where almost almost 500mm fell in 24 hours near the Gold Coast.

Springbrook in the Gold Coast hinterland was the most heavily-drenched on Thursdaay - 486 millimetres until dusk - while the Redlands was expecting a full day total of about 400mm.

Brisbane and surrounding areas copped, 226 millimetres, more than twice a month's worth of March rainfall on Thursday.

Across the state's central and southern regions, 58 swift water rescues were performed by authorities, who are pleading with people to stay indoors.

The wild weather has been forecast to intensify overnight.

A flood warning has been issued by Scenic Rim Regional Council for residents of Beaudesert.

The Logan River is expected to peak causing major flooding at approximately 7am on Friday.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was on Thursday night urging people to stay home wherever possible.

"If you have plans tonight to go out to see friends, to see neighbours, to travel, please do not. Stay in your home," she said.

"I need to have the roads clear for our emergency services personnel."

The Bureau of Meteorology also holds concerns over further heavy downpours and wind gusting at speeds up to 125km/h in coastal areas.

On Friday schools will be closed for the second day, giving students an early start to the holidays.

Residents in pockets of the Gold Coast hinterland have been warned they may be briefly isolated.

Those in 71 low-lying Lockyer Valley homes were advised to prepare to leave, however conditions later eased somewhat and they should be able to remain safely.

Meanwhile, as the clean up continues in northern Queensland, the first guests have been evacuated from the Whitsunday islands resorts smashed by Debbie.

Thousands remain stranded on Hamilton Island but it's hoped they will be flown to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in the coming days.

Read more at http://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/03/31/03/35/cyclone-debbie-s-tail-batters-se-qld