Wet weekend with possible flash flooding expected
Brisbane is set for a wet weekend, with significant falls bringing the chance of flash flooding.
The rain on Saturday is expected to be fairly light but with the possibility of a storm, meteorologist Daniel Hayes said.
“It’s probably going to be a bit lighter for most people, but tomorrow and into Monday, we’re likely to see some pretty significant falls,” he said.
A low crossed the North Queensland coast on Friday, drenching the region. Overnight, there was significant rainfall along the coast from Mackay down to Wide Bay.
“That’s pulled down the monsoon trough and a lot of moisture into parts of central Queensland and to the east,” Hayes said.
An upper-level trough moving over southern Queensland on Sunday may kickstart heavier showers and thunderstorm activity, he said.
“So we could see some severe storms through the Brisbane area tomorrow as that moves on through and we see all that moisture being pulled down.
“Most people will probably see 10 to 20 millimetres of rain from widespread showers.
“Those heavier showers or thunderstorms could push some of the totals in excess of 50 millimetres – anywhere from 50 to 100 millimetres is possible.”
These heavier falls will be much more isolated, but Hayes urged people to keep an eye out for severe thunderstorm warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Brisbane City Council has also encouraged residents to monitor the bureau’s website and prepare for severe weather.
“When we see those severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, flash flooding is a definite risk,” Hayes said.
He said the heavy rain can quickly overwhelm drainage systems, “and creeks, rivers, dams, floodways, drains, all those sorts of things, can back up and cause that flash flooding – and flooding in places where people don’t necessarily expect it”.
Sandbags are available from five locations across the city at any time.
On the southside, residents can pick them up from 9 Redfern Street in Morningside, Herbert Street in Lota, and 38 Shamrock Road in Darra.
On the northside, sandbags are available at 66 Wilston Road in Newmarket, and 33 Jennings Street in Zillmere.
The showers and thunderstorms could persist into Tuesday, but would likely be more isolated and much less active, Hayes said.
“By the mid-week period, we’re back to just a slight chance of a few showers, primarily around the coast.”
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