North Queensland has copped a drenching with flash flooding cutting off businesses, homes and highways.
More than 300 millimetres of rain caused flooding near Tully in north Queensland, with more rain predicted throughout the weekend.
The weather bureau is warning the conditions are likely to continue, with fresh falls expected between Mackay and Bundaberg overnight and into Sunday morning.
Areas between Cairns and Townsville had heavy rainfall over the last two days.
Tully, 140 kilometres south of Cairns, saw flood waters rise after 400 millimetres fell on the town.
Some residents found themselves trapped on “islands” as roads were inundated and driving became impossible.
The Bruce Highway has reopened after closing for several hours on Saturday near Tully, but floodwaters still pose a risk to drivers.
Moderate flood warnings are current for the Tully and Murray Rivers, with the Tully expected to stay above 8 metres through Sunday.
Senior forecaster Shane Kennedy said while the rain may ease in the south-east on Sunday, residents between Bundaberg and Mackay could experience significant rainfall.
“There’s the potential that we could see some severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, mostly between Yeppoon and Bundaberg,” he said.
“Though that will depend a lot on how close to the coast an offshore trough gets, and where exactly that approaches the coast.”
On Saturday night the bureau released a severe weather warning for parts of Wide Bay and Burnett, warning of very localised heavy rainfall that may affect Childers and Tiaro.
In case of severe thunderstorm, the bureau recommends exercising caution and staying indoors unless absolutely necessary.
