Moreton Bay Regional Council is encouraging residents to make contingency plans for the coming days in response to the extreme weather event forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology.
Heavy rainfall of between 200mm and 400mm is expected from Thursday, February 19 until Saturday as a tropical low moves down the Queensland Coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated the low has moderate potential of developing into a category one cyclone, making landfall between Gladstone and Bundaberg.
The severe weather system may also bring strong onshore winds, together with very high tides, the possibility of beach erosion and local storm tide inundation.
It is predicted the severe weather system could be similar to ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald that impacted coastal areas of the region in 2013.
Mayor Allan Sutherland said residents should prepare now for the possible impact of heavy rain by cleaning out gutters and down pipes and ensuring their roof is in good condition.
“Residents should also ensure they have enough water and nonperishable food to last at least three days and have a supply of batteries should electricity be lost for an extended period,” Mayor Sutherland said.
“Council is continuing to work with the Bureau of Meteorology and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to closely monitor the impacts of the low pressure system as it travels down the coast.”
“Roads and drainage crews and the SES will be on standby to monitor any potential impacts of the expected heavy rainfall and higher than normal tides in the region.
“The Local Disaster Management Group has been put on alert to maintain a watching brief on the severe weather system as it develops.”
Local residents should be prepared for any local impacts.
Weather warnings
Stay tuned to local media outlets for the latest weather updates. Log onto the weather bureau’s website to assist in monitor your local conditions. You can view weather radar images and rainfall gauge and river height information at www.bom.gov.au/qld
MoretonAlert
Local residents and businesses can register to receive free alerts about severe weather and flash-flooding events via text or voice message and e-mail.
Register online at MoretonAlert or call council on (07) 3205 0555.
Flood maps
Council encourages people to be aware of the potential impact of heavy rainfall around their property.
Flood maps are available for download from council’s website with handy hints on how to be storm-ready.
SES and sandbags
Sand and sandbags are available at the following locations:
- Arana Hills SES – 2 Pine Hills Drive, off Jinker Track
- Beachmere – Rogers Street Sports Ground
- Bribie Island SES – 208-224 First Avenue
- Narangba – Oakey Flat Road (between Raynbird Road roundabout and Sovereign Drive roundabout)
- Caboolture Council Depot – corner of Commercial Drive & Machinery Parade
- Deception Bay Council Depot carpark – Old Bay Road
- Elimbah – Coronation Drive (opposite the church in the median strip)
- Petrie SES – 3 Woonara Drive
- Redcliffe – Corner Portwood Street and Lamington Drive (opposite Redcliffe Showgrounds)
- Woodford Council Depot – Mary Street
- Woodford Memorial Hall (rear car park)
Residents are encouraged to bring a shovel to assist with filling their sandbags.
For assistance with damage resulting from heavy rain over coming days contact the SES on 132 500.