That’s where we’ll leave this live blog today. Here’s what we know:
- Heavy rainfall has lashed south-eastern Queensland, resulting in flash flooding across many parts of the state.
- Low-lying areas of the Lockyer Valley, south-west of Brisbane, were particularly hard hit, with downpours of up to 260mm in the past 48 hours. The region’s mayor Tanya Milligan said Queensland police doorknocked and called at least 240 homes considered most at risk, advising them to leave.
- Sandy Creek, in Grantham, has risen to 1.9m above Sandy Creek Road at the railway bridge, preventing residents from accessing the evacuation centre at the Butter Factory.
- More than 550 roads across the state have been cut by flooding, according to the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland.
- Beaches across the state were closed, including all the Gold Coast beaches, due to dangerous conditions, including strong winds and hazardous surf.
- Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the rainfall was not like the weather we saw earlier this year that caused catastrophic damage across the state, saying this rainfall was “more sporadic, and not as heavy”.
- As of midday, the SES had received 150 calls for help, with water teams performing nine rescues. Queensland Fire and Emergency services said they had to assist people, particularly in areas where the water had risen quickly.
More rain is forecast to fall over the weekend. Please keep an eye on conditions in your area and stay safe.
Lockyer Creek at Gatton-Esk Road🤯
— Transport and Main Roads Queensland (@TMRQld) May 13, 2022
📷: @LockyerValleyRC pic.twitter.com/kLR5KWf3eU
