Queensland flood warnings as Mary River rises and more storms loom
The Mary River at Tiaro could reach major flood level, while a Watch and Act alert remains active around the Theresa Creek Dam catchment.
Flood warnings were in place across Queensland on 25 October as heavy rain pushed the Mary River higher and the Bureau of Meteorology warned of further severe storms approaching the south-east.
At Tiaro, north of Gympie, gauges showed the river climbing quickly above moderate flood level, with major flooding possible. Rainfall over the preceding week exceeded 300 millimetres in parts of its catchment, while some Sunshine Coast locations recorded more than 400mm.
Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig said rivers had risen faster than anticipated and water was covering roads. He said Kidd Bridge outside Gympie could be submerged.
The bureau expected an inland weather system to track east towards the south-east. Senior forecaster Felim Hanniffy said further storms could bring damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain, with a small chance of particularly dangerous storms. Some areas had already received three times their monthly October rainfall, he said.
In the Central Highlands, the alert for the Theresa Creek Dam catchment was lowered to Watch and Act from an Emergency Warning. People in Clermont and nearby areas were still being urged to remain alert.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said conditions around Clermont were beginning to settle after Theresa Creek Dam received 157mm in 24 hours. Moderate flood warnings also remained for the Warrego and Weir rivers.
