Hundreds of locals in Dirranbandi, Hebel and rural properties in southwest Queensland are preparing to be isolated indefinitely by floodwaters as a wet weekend is forecast for parts of Queensland.
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The Bureau of Meteorology has issued major flood warnings for the Balonne, Condamine and Moonie rivers, as well as Cooper and Eyre Creeks.
The forecaster says rain forecast to hit catchments across southern and central Queensland from Friday afternoon could trigger further flooding this weekend.
In the state's southwest, Balonne Shire Council and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency alert for 640 locals in Dirranbandi and 67 residents in Hebel.
The BOM is forecasting the Balonne River to hit a moderate flood level of 4.3 metres at Dirranbandi on Friday and continue rising, cutting the Castlereagh Highway into the town.
"Residents may be isolated for a period of time and are advised to make preparations as required," QFES said in an alert on Friday morning.
The BOM has placed 22 major waterways on flood watch between Rockhampton and northern Brisbane, including the Brisbane, Boyne, Calliope, Burnett, Mary, Noosa and Pine rivers - ahead of Friday's predicted downpours.
In eastern Queensland, a flood watch has been issued for catchments between Sarina to Caboolture as they're likely to respond to further rainfall after the past month's deluge.
"Thunderstorms are also possible for central and eastern parts, contracting to coastal areas near Mackay and Rockhampton by Saturday," senior meteorologist Steven Hadley said.
"The highest rainfall totals are expected in coastal areas from the Sunshine Coast to just south of Mackay."
A risk of flash flooding remains due to thunderstorms between Proserpine and Hervey Bay which may lead to river level rises in saturated catchments.
With catchments already soaked after last weekend's deadly floods, the BOM said minor flooding, which could disrupt local transport, is possible.
Utility and dam operator Seqwater said minor flood releases from Somerset Dam into Wivenhoe Dam on the upper Brisbane River were underway on Friday morning.
It said flood releases from both dams may need to be stepped up depending on the amount of rainfall this weekend.
Seqwater said Colleges Crossing, Burtons Bridge and Kholo Bridge were still flooded, while Mt Crosby Weir was closed.
"If you are downstream of the dam, stay away from fast flowing or deep water near waterways and floodplains," the operator said in a statement.
Australian Associated Press
