Heavy rain looks set to lash large parts of Queensland this weekend as the weather bureau issues several flash flooding and severe thunderstorm warnings for central and southern parts of the state.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has placed most of central and southern Queensland on flood watch as residents in the Wide Bay, Burnett and the state's south-eastern forecast districts brace for potential flooding.
While severe thunderstorm warnings have now been cancelled across south-east Queensland, warnings for heavy rainfall remain in place for the Darling Downs and Granite Belt, parts of Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett and Maranoa and Warrego Forecast Districts.
Additionally, an emergency alert has been issued for the Gympie Local Government area, with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services warning flash flooding could occur in the next 36 to 48 hours, with totals of up to 200 mm possible in the region.
The Fraser Coast Council and the Noosa Shire Council have also issued an emergency alert.
The BOM is warning of intense rainfall that could lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding in the area.
Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued with heavy rainfall, large hailstones and damaging winds expected across regions across central Queensland.
The BOM said a low could bring heavy to intense rain from Saturday night into Monday, depending on the movement of the system.
Heavy thunderstorms are also developing further south near the New South Wales border.
Minor releases from the Wivenhoe Dam began earlier this week in preparation for the wet season, and have continued today.
SEQ water says a number nearby crossings have been closed and anyone downstream should "stay away from fast flowing water".
Regions brace for flash flooding
The BOM has also issued a moderate flood warning for the Bulloo, Paroo and rivers, while major flooding is possible for the Logan and Albert Rivers.
Major flooding warnings are active for the Macintyre River.
Rapid rises and flash flooding in those areas are expected from tonight and into the weekend.
Residents in those areas have been warned already wet catchments will respond quickly to any further rainfall.
The BOM said the risk of flooding is further exacerbated by "a small tidal anomaly of up to 20cm" which will see increased rises to rivers and creeks in tidal areas.
Gold Coast on 'high alert'
The Gold Coast City Council said it was now on high alert as severe weather closes in on the south-east corner.
Staff and machinery from the council's disaster management centre have been mobilised and sandbagging stations have opened at Pimpama, Bilinga and Burleigh Heads.
Gold Coast beaches remain open with lifeguards assessing conditions after the council warned of hazardous surf conditions expected over the weekend.
Sandbagging stations have opened on the Gold Coast at Pimpama, Burleigh Heads and Billinga ahead of wild weather expected this weekend.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the city could experience potential flash flooding over the next few days.
"If you've got time to check your batteries and first aid kit, go ahead and do so," he said.
"We'll monitor this closely and if it means that our disaster management unit will meet multiple times then we will do so.
"La Niña is here as predicted, third year in a row."
Cr Tate urged residents to check in on family and pets and to stay across the latest forecasts.
"The main thing is to have your contact information — to know where your family is," he said.
"What are you doing with your pets … is it too late to take them to a friends on higher ground?
"They're the sort of things that I would do straight up because your loved ones are the primary thing."
