Source: Bureau of Meteorology

for DAMAGING WINDS, HEAVY RAINFALL and DANGEROUS SURF

For people in parts of Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:50 am Sunday, 4 April 2021.

HEAVY RAINFALL, DAMAGING WIND GUSTS AND DANGEROUS SURF TO DEVELOP OVER SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND.

Weather Situation: A subtropical low off the Central Coast is forecast to combine with a strong upper level low and deepen while moving rapidly south towards Capricornia and Hervey Bay waters. It is then expected to adopt a south to southeasterly track early on Monday morning and move parallel to the coast, moving directly over the Sunshine Coast then offshore during the afternoon or evening.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is likely to develop over areas between Seventeen Seventy, Gympie and Bribie Island tonight and through Monday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 120 to 160 mm are likely in areas.

INTENSE RAINFALL that may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING and DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to around 90 km/h are possible over communities from roughly Miriam Vale to the Sunshine Coast tonight and through Monday. Six-hourly rainfall totals up to 250 mm are likely in areas, particularly over coastal communities and islands.

DANGEROUS SURF is likely to develop about the Fraser Coast tonight, extending to the Sunshine Coast on Monday morning and south to the Moreton Bay Islands later in the day.

A Flood Watch is current for coastal catchments south of St Lawrence, extending inland to the Darling Downs.

Locations which may be affected include Fraser Island, Seventeen Seventy, Maroochydore, Gympie, Bundaberg, Noosa Heads, Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Nambour, Rainbow Beach, Tiaro, Bribie Island, Moreton Island and Stradbroke Islands.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it's flooded, forget it.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Surf Life Saving Australia recommends that you stay out of the water and stay well away from surf-exposed areas.
* Check your property regularly for erosion or inundation by sea water, and if necessary raise goods and electrical items.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.