By Jeremy Sollars
Heavy falls of rain have been recorded across the region this morning, Thursday, as ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie continues to move southward.
Heavier falls are expected this afternoon and some businesses and schools in the region have closed for the day or may close early.
Flash flooding and road closures are likely across the region.
Warwick State High School is closed but Stanthorpe SHS is open. Parents are advised to contact their children’s schools directly about potential early closures.
A Bureau of Meteorology spokesman told the Free Times this morning the Warwick and Stanthorpe regions can expect between 50 and 100mm up until around 4pm – on top of the rain which fell overnight and this morning – with the highest falls expected in eastern areas.
Winds this afternoon are expected to be between 25km/h and 40km/h to the south, higher in elevated districts.
The rain is expected to ease by late afternoon or early evening today.
Southern Downs Regional Council is advising community members that they can access sandbags to protect their properties from flood water if required.
Local disaster co-ordinator Peter See said the council had started to receive inquiries from residents about where they could access sandbags.
Self-service sandbagging stations are located at:
Killarney – bags and filling available at the council depot, 72 Condamine River Road.
Warwick – bags available from Warwick SES in the Town Hall car park, filling at Warwick Train Station, Lyons Street.
Stanthorpe – bags and filling available from Stanthorpe SES shed, Mackenzie StreetAllora – bags available from Allora Police Station, filling at the Scouts Hut, Allora Drive.
Mr See also said that as with any major weather event people can call the SES for assistance on 132 500.
He also said everyone should remember the slogan, “If it’s flooded forget it”.
Updates to follow.
To keep up to date with road closures and flood enquiries relating to state roads the public should ring 13 19 40 or go to the website www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
For local roads, keep up to date with Council’s MY SDRC App, or call council on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372) or visit council’s website www.sdrc.qld.gov.au
To report issues with local roads, residents are encouraged to use Council’s MY SDRC App as this will be the quickest and most effective way to log requests.
Official BOM falls to 9am today, Thursday 31 March
The Head – 43mm
Carrs Lookout – 42mm
Yangan – 53mm
Warwick – 47mm
Connolly Dam – 44mm
Allora – 38mm
Leslie Dam – 34mm
Stanthorpe – 28mm
Leyburn – 53
