Get set for some intense weather

Jannette Parke | 2nd March 2010

A SEVERE weather warning was issued yesterday for southern Queensland as a tropical low drifted into the state from the west and a low formed off Fraser Island.

Described by one meteorologist as “a tropical cyclone over land”, the edge of the monsoon system was being felt in Gympie yesterday, with more rain predicted today.

As well, overnight and this morning, an east coast low was expected to develop near Fraser Island with freshening southeast winds near the coast.

The bureau issued strong/gale-wind warnings for Bundaberg to Noosa Heads with south to southeast winds expected to develop to 25 to 33 knots today with seas rising to four metres.

Very heavy rain has already fallen along Queensland’s western border, with Birdsville receiving some of its heaviest falls in at least 100 years.

Gympie residents were urged to prepare for flash floods and damaging winds as the intense tropical low pressure system from the Northern Territory moved into the region, tracking east, and the low near Fraser Island intensified, with the potential to focus very heavy rain in the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and Burnett areas.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned residents not to drive, walk or ride through floodwaters and to contact the SES on 132 500 for emergency assistance if required.