A woman has been rescued in Central Queensland after clinging to the back of a ute in rising floodwaters for 90 minutes as the region prepares for more severe storms and heavy rainfall.
Emergency services received the call for help last night, at around 7.17pm, near the Mackenzie River; however, it took them two hours to reach her due to submerged roads.
A Queensland Ambulance Spokesperson says the woman, aged in her 20s, attempted to drive through water on Mackenzie River Capella Road, before getting caught in rising rapids.
She has been taken to Emerald Hospital in a stable condition.
More rain on the way
Central and southern Queensland are on flood watch as a low pressure system tracks slowly eastwards this week.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jackson Browne is warning of severe storms, stretching from Emerald down to Biloela.
There is the chance of dangerous winds reaching more than 120kilometres an hour and giant-sized hail, Mr Browne says.
“These storms will pack a punch, and we do have pretty sodden conditions across Queensland.
“Flash flooding is a real risk with these thunderstorms and may ex ongoing flooding in some of these catchments and rivers.”
More storms are also expected to bring heavy rain to Gladstone and Rockhampton. It comes after 116 millimetres fell in Gladstone yesterday, which breaks the record for daily rainfall in October.
Emerald and Middlemount recorded nearly 50millimetres in just half and hour last night.
“Increasing showers and thunderstorms are forecast across central and southern Queensland for the remainder of this week.”
“Thunderstorms are likely to be severe at times.”
Road closures
Police are imploring people to not put their lives at risk by driving through floodwaters as the list of road closures continues to grow.
Current road closures according to Central Highlands police:
- Capricorn Highway, Corkscrew Creek, Emerald (Between Emerald and Comet) – closed to all traffic
- Gregory Highway between Emerald and Capella – partially open with one lane under traffic control
- Dawson Highway (Panorama Creek), Rolleston – closed to all traffic
- Fitzroy Developmental Road, Rhydding – closed to all traffic
- Blackwater Rolleston Rd, Rolleston – partially Open to traffic
- Dawson Developmental Rd, Springsure – closed to all traffic
