TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
for DAMAGING WINDS, HEAVY RAINFALL, ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES and DANGEROUS SURF For people in the Southeast Coast and parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett and Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts.
Issued at 11:13 am Friday, 20 February 2015.
Synoptic Situation:
Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia crossed the coast near Shoalwater Bay and is moving south. A trough extends southwards from the tropical cyclone to Queensland’s southeast coast.
The trough should produce heavy rain and locally damaging wind gusts about the Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast Coast districts today, extending inland to the eastern parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt district later today or tonight. The heavy rain may lead to flash flooding, with isolated 24 hour totals in excess of 300mm. Damaging wind gusts may reach around 90 km/hr, mostly near the coast and ranges.
Water levels on the high tide are likely to exceed the highest tide of the year today. Dangerous surf conditions and beach erosion are also expected on exposed beaches.
Riverine flooding:
Initial moderate flood warning for the Stanley and Mary rivers, minor flood warning for the Maroochy and Mooloolah rivers and Coochin creek.
A flood watch is current for the Wide Bay and Burnett, Southeast Coast and the Darling Downs & Granite Belt District forecast districts.
Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley, Ipswich, Brisbane, Caboolture, the Sunshine Coast, Kingaroy and Gympie.
Several locations along the Sunshine coast reported 24hr rainfall totals to 9am this morning of 200mm or more with Ball Lookout on the North Maroochy River reporting 214mm.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Surf Life Saving Australia recommends that you stay out of the water and stay well away from surf-exposed areas.
* Check your property regularly for erosion or inundation by sea water, and if necessary raise goods and electrical items.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
The next warning is due to be issued by 5:15 pm.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 219. The Bureau and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.