Issued at: 3.26pm on Friday, 20 May 2022
Parts of eastern Queensland face a wet weekend with showers increasing to rain in areas east of Emerald and between Mackay to the Sunshine Coast on Friday, then extending to Brisbane and the Gold Coast on Saturday.
The Bureau of Meteorology has today issued a Flood Watch for catchments between Sarina and Caboolture.
Senior Meteorologist Steven Hadley said that catchments in the Flood Watch area are saturated from heavy rainfall over the past week and are likely to respond quickly to any further rainfall.
"Thunderstorms are also possible for central and eastern parts, contracting to coastal areas near Mackay and Rockhampton by Saturday," Mr Hadley said.
"The highest rainfall totals are expected in coastal areas from the Sunshine Coast to just south of Mackay.
"While conditions are not expected to be as heavy, prolonged or widespread as recent rainfall, there remains a risk of flash flooding with thunderstorms between Proserpine and Hervey Bay, and the forecast rainfall may lead to river level rises in saturated catchments.
"Moderate to major flooding continues but is generally easing. The most significant flooding is occurring along the Moonie River, the Condamine-Balonne River system and Thomson-Cooper catchment.
"The Lower Brisbane River is expected to ease at Lowood on Friday afternoon and expected to remain below the minor flood level on the high tides in Brisbane over the coming days."
Meanwhile, freshening southeast winds, cloud and rain will lead to low daytime temperatures across the south into the weekend, while in the north daytime temperatures will be close to average.
"Gales are forecast for the Capricorn Coastal Waters on Saturday with gusts up around 60-80 km/h possible along adjacent coastal fringes," Mr Hadley said.
Due to the evolving nature of weather, communities in the affected areas are advised to stay up to date with warnings via the Bureau's websiteor the BOM Weather App and follow the advice of emergency services.
