May 12, 2022
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a “flood watch” alert for the Wide Bay and Burnett, South-East Queensland, Darling Downs and Granite Belt areas.
The Bureau has warned that minor to moderate flooding is likely across the Flood Watch areas from Friday, with isolated major flooding possible.
A Bureau spokesperson said a strong upper trough was moving eastward across Queensland.
Widespread rainfall and stream showers are expected across the Flood Watch area with a risk of isolated thunderstorms across northern parts.
Locally heavy falls are possible during the rest of Thursday and Friday, likely easing into the weekend as the upper trough moves just offshore.
Catchments in the Flood Watch area are generally saturated from rainfall over the last few days and weeks.
Smaller creeks and tributaries may respond rapidly to further rainfall.
Catchments likely to be affected include Calliope River, Boyne River, Baffle Creek, Kolan River, Burnett River, Burrum and Cherwell Rivers, Mary River, Noosa River, Sunshine Coast Rivers and Creeks, Pine and Caboolture Rivers, Upper Brisbane River, Lower Brisbane River, Logan and Albert Rivers, Gold Coast Rivers and Creeks, Condamine Rivers (particularly Upper Condamine), Macintyre River and Weir River.
People living or working along rivers and creeks should monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings.
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Sunwater has issued an alert that Bjelke-Petersen Dam is at full capacity at 100 per cent and any storm activity could lead to a spill.
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At 12:15pm on Thursday, Toowoomba Regional Council issued an emergency alert for Cooby Creek.
Council advised that Cooby Dam is spilling, which may lead to the flooding of areas in the vicinity of Cooby Creek.
Residents have been asked to warn neighbours, secure property and prepare to move to higher ground if the situation worsens.
UPDATE: The TRC has advised there is no immediate risk to Oakey township from water spilling over Cooby Dam wall.
Mayor Paul Antonio said the standard emergency alert for a Flood Watch and Act notification was issued on Thursday morning at the request of the Local Disaster Co-ordination Centre.
“Council’s Water Operations centre is monitoring the region’s three dams around the clock and will provide updates as required,” Mayor Antonio said.
“Council today started contacting property owners who are directly downstream of Cooby Dam. We are continuing to update these residents in line with our emergency action plan, along with residents downstream of Cressbrook Dam.”
- External link: Toowoomba Disaster Dashboard
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At 3:45pm on Thursday, Somerset Regional Council issued an Emergency Alert:
Council advises the Cressbrook Dam is 1.2 metres above the spillway. Further rainfall may see an increase in the dam level and river heights in Cressbrook Creek on Thursday night and Friday. Council is urging residents to be ready to implement their emergency plans. For more information, listen to local radio, visit the Somerset Disaster Dashboard
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At 5:00pm on Thursday, North Burnett Regional Council issued an Emergency Alert:
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting heavy to intense rainfall within the North Burnett area in the early hours of Friday morning into Friday evening. This may cause dangerous flooding.
Council is urging residents to stay off the roads. Remember, if it’s flooded, forget it. Do not drive into floodwater. For more information, listen to local radio or visit the North Burnett Disaster Dashboard
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At 5:10pm on Thursday, Gympie Regional Council issued an Emergency Alert:
Heavy rainfall is forecast for the Gympie area for the early hours of Friday morning into Friday evening. Six hourly rainfall totals of 100mm to 160mm are possible. Residents are urged to stay off the roads. If it’s flooded, forget it. For more information, listen to local radio or visit the Gympie Disaster Dashboard
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