The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall over areas including Bundaberg, Gin Gin and Childers.
Rainfall totals across the region up to 9 am today have varied, with the highest totals including Branyan recording 208 mm, areas of Bundaberg recording 168 mm and the Bucca Weir recording 144 mm.
Motorists are reminded to drive to the conditions with heavy rainfall impacting roads around the region and water expected over low-lying local roads.
At 5.06 am Saturday 22 October, the Bureau advised six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 160 mm were likely to redevelop Saturday morning, potentially becoming more extensive later on Saturday.
“Locally intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash-flooding is also possible during this period with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 200 mm,” the Bureau said.
Heavy rainfall leads to SES callouts
SES Bundaberg Unit Local Controller Kieran Galey said sandbags were available from its facility on 7 Kendalls Road, Branyan for any residents who need them.
“Across the Bundaberg Local Government Area we have seen an influx of people requesting assistance and requesting sandbags,” Kieran said.
“We’ve had a few structural damage requests as well.
“We’ve got currently crews out in the field across the whole of the Local Government Area responding to those calls for assistance.”
He said with more rainfall forecast for the region the SES was “encouraging the community to be alert but not alarmed”.
“Start preparing properties, watching weather conditions and warnings.”
He said at the Bundaberg SES facility on Kendalls Road residents could collect sandbags or utilise sand to fill their own bags with volunteers on site to provide advice.
During heavy rainfall and weather events, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it’s flooded, forget it.
Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
To stay up to date with the latest warnings and road closures head to the Disaster Dashboard: http://disaster.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/
Remember: If it’s flooded, forget it. For flood emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. For life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
A Flood Watch is current for South East Queensland and Wide Bay and Burnett areas. See http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings for more information.
