South-east Queensland hit by heavy rain overnight with BOM forecasting more extreme weather

Queensland’s extreme weather is set to worsen today, with the Bureau of Meteorology expecting heavy rain, damaging winds and the possibility of flash-flooding from Bundaberg down to the New South Wales coast.

Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan has warned of the cyclone-like impact of the extreme weather event, and residents must prepare for the worst.

“Many of the impacts from this weather event will be similar to a category-one cyclone event,” he said.

The Queensland Fire and Emergency has had more than 520 requests for SES assistance since Saturday, after more than 5,000 homes lost power across the south-east.

Queenslanders have been warned to stay off the roads, avoid unnecessary travel and to never drive through floodwaters.