Heavy rain sparks flood worries in Qld

Motorists have been urged to slow down as parts of central Queensland brace for more heavy rain that could cause flooding.

Flood water

Concerns about flooding have sparked an evacuation warning for some residents in part of central QLD (AAP)

Authorities are urging motorists to use commonsense as heavy rain falls in central Queensland.

At least two cars aquaplaned off the Bruce Highway near Marlborough, north of Rockhampton, overnight. No-one was hurt.

A severe weather warning is in place for parts of central Queensland, with downpours that could cause flooding expected on Friday, following on from previous heavy falls.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Sam Campbell says a flood watch covers communities from Bundaberg, north to Proserpine and inland to Emerald.

"We could see sustained heavy falls over 24-hour periods and that's what could lead to riverine flooding in those areas," he told ABC radio.

The SES has urged motorists to take care.

"There are issues with people not taking the appropriate precautions and not modifying their driving," spokesman Eddie Cowie told the ABC.

Meanwhile a man has been rescued from the roof of his car at Apple Tree Creek, south of Bundaberg, after it was caught in flood waters on Thursday night.

It took a team including swift rescue specialists to pluck him to safety after he tried to cross a flooded road.

"Sadly this is where we also had an incident at exactly the same spot only a few days ago," a police spokesman said.

Flood-prone residents inland from Bundaberg have been told to consider evacuating their homes as water is released from a nearby dam.

The Banana Shire Council issued the warning after Sunwater began releases from the Callide dam, near Biloela, after heavy rainfall in the area and forecasts for more over the next 24 hours.

Mayor Ron Carige said he wasn't aware of any evacuations so far, and releases were being kept to a minimum, to counter what was flowing into the dam.

"But we're certainly advising people to monitor the situation and if they are in low lying areas, consider evacuating to friends and family," he said.


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Source: AAP


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