Ex-TC Marcia: When will she impact the Gold Coast?

8:50pm Update: Ex-tropical cyclone Marcia continues to move off the southeast Queensland coast with the heaviest rain bypassing most of the Gold Coast. However the possibility for damaging winds and dangerous surf conditions remain.

Un-easy calm as weakening Marcia heads for Gold Coast

Although rain has eased across the Gold Coast this evening, conditions are expected to deteriorate again during Saturday as a weakening Marcia moves into southeast Queensland.

Cyclone Marcia Track map and Forecast Wind
as at 7pm, Friday 20 February 2015

The hatches are battened, Marcia gets stronger

MTSAT Colourized Infrared

Satellite Image

8:33pm Thu 19 Feb 2015

The Gold Coast spent today waiting in long queues for sandbags and battening down for 2015's most severe weather event, whilst Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia is expected to make landfall on the central Queensland coast as a very destructive Category 5 cyclone.

Cyclone Marcia! Marcia! Marcia! is born

7:00pm 19/02 UPDATE: Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia now a Category 4 storm and expected to make landfall as a very destructive Category 5 cyclone. See the Cyclone Warning for more info.

Sandbags! Get your sandbags!

12:00pm 20/02 UPDATE: The Gold Coast SES at 195 Queen St, Southport are continuing to provide sandbags today (Friday) until 6pm and limiting to 12 per vehicle.

They are likely to be "FIY" (fill it yourself) bags, so bring your own shovel just in case!

As demand is high, there are long delays. Before heading off check with the SES on 132 500 or the City of Gold Coast Disaster Hotline on 1800 606 000 to see if they've got any left.

PREVIOUS UPDATES:

4:30pm UPDATE: The Gold Coast SES at 195 Queen St, Southport are continuing to provide sandbags today until 6pm and limiting to 12 per vehicle.

They are likely to be "FIY" (fill it yourself) bags, so bring your own shovel just in case!

As demand is high, there are long delays. Before heading off check with the SES on 132 500 or the City of Gold Coast Disaster Hotline on 1800 606 000 to see if they've got any left.

8:30am UPDATE: The Gold Coast SES at 195 Queen St, Southport are continuing to provide sandbags today between 8am to 6pm to residents who need them.

(Thanks to ABC Gold Coast for tweeting this info @abcgoldcoast)


9:30pm 18/02 UPDATE: The Gold Coast SES at Southport are providing sandbags this evening to residents who need them, They can be collected from 195 Queen St, Southport

(Thanks to Cr Glenn Tozer for tweeting this info @GlennontheGC)

As demand is high, before heading off check with the SES on 132 500 or the City of Gold Coast Disaster Hotline on 1800 606 000 to see if they've got any left.

EARLIER: The State Emergency Service depot at Carrara were providing "FIY" (fill it yourself) sandbags for residents of private properties today (Wednesday 18 Feb) until 6pm.

They are located on Eastlakes St at Carrara off exit 75 (near the City of Gold Coast depot).

Bring your own shovel and the SES will have bags and sand available for you to fill your own sandbags.

As this situation is being monitored closely, the availability of sand and bags along with opening hours may change. Contact the SES on 132500 to check.

Severe weather warning issued, local disaster group on alert

MTSAT Colourized Infrared
Satellite Image
8:33pm Tue 17 Feb 2015

The Gold Coast is now facing a quadruple threat on Thursday and Friday from damaging winds, heavy rainfall, abnormally high tides and dangerous surf as the low pressure system in the Coral Sea deepens and moves closer to Queensland.

Less rain Friday, but strong winds and powerful surf into the weekend

***This rain event was cancelled due to unexpected good weather :) ***
Whilst we're now only expecting 50mm on Friday and 15mm on Saturday, strong to near gale force winds will start on Friday and powerful surf conditions expected on Saturday and Sunday.

Rainfall Forecast for
 Friday 12 December 2014

Friday to bring heavy rain, possible flooding to Gold Coast

***This rain event was cancelled due to unexpected good weather :) ***

Up to 125mm is expected fall on the Gold Coast over Friday and Saturday, similar to a rain event that brought heavy rain and flooding back on the 27-28 March 2014. 

Heavy rain, flash flooding risk for the Gold Coast

There's STILL more rain coming with 100-150mm rain forecast for the Gold Coast region on Friday. Add this to the 50-100mm we've already received there's a real risk of flash flooding and even minor flooding in rivers and catchments. Plus if that's not enough, in the wake of the clearing rain, there's the chance of afternoon thunderstorms.

Rainfall forecast for Friday 28 March 2014

Gold Coast still in firing line for heavy rain

As expected, there is now a Severe Weather Warning in place for Heavy Rainfall expected to arrive this afternoon and evening - with 24 hour totals of 50-150mm possible.

60th anniversary of 'the Great Gold Coast Cyclone'

DID YOU KNOW: 10pm tonight (February 20th) marks the 60th anniversay of 'the Great Gold Coast Cyclone' which crossed the coast at Coolangatta?

SEQ braces for impact after wild Australia Day weather in Central QLD

100-125 km/h wind gusts and up to 300mm of rain are expected to impact areas of the Southeast Coast forecast district after a wild day of heavy falls and even tornadoes in the Wide Bay & Burnett region.

Australia Day Weekend Weather Update

200-400mm of rain is still expected over the next four days for the Gold Coast and the Southeast Coast thanks to ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald.

Another wet Australia Day for 2013

Up to 125-200mm of rain could dampen South-East Queensland's 2013 Australia Day weekend according to current long-term rainfall forecasts issued by the Bureau of Meteorology on Wednesday 23 January 2013.

Gold Coast road closures at 27/01/2012 9:30am

Updated: As at 9:30am Friday 27 January 2012, current known & reported road closures in and around the Gold Coast includes:

Alberton, Burrows Road
Beechmon,t Beechmont Road (North Street Lower Beechmont to Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd).
Benobble, Tamborine Mountain Road & Laheys Lookout Rd
Bonogin, Hardys Rd
Clagiraba, Clargiraba Rd (Coomera River Causeway)
Currumbin Valley, Currumbin Ck Rd (Dolans Crossing)
Luscombe, Beaudesert-Beenleigh Road
Merrimac, Highfield Dr
Mudgeeraba, Gunsynd Dr
Mudgeeraba, Berrigans Rd
Mudgeeraba, Somerset Dr
Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast Springbrook Road (Mudgeeraba Creek Causeway)
Mudgeeraba, Mudgeeraba Road (Advancetown Mudgeeraba Road, Exit 79)
Mudgeeraba, Somerset Dr (near Firth Park)
Mudgeeraba, The Link Way (Exit 80)
Upper Coomera, Tamborine-Oxenford Road (John Muntz Causeway)
Pimpama, Yawalpah Road
Stapylton, Rossmans Road
Stapylton, Burnside Road
Tallebudgera, Trees Rd
Tallebudgera, Tallebudgera Connection Road
Tallebudgera, Valley Araluen Rd
Tallebudgera, Valley Daltons Rd
Tallebudgera, Valley Mount Cougal Rd
Tallebudgera, Valley Tallebudgera Ck Rd (Past Dickfos Rd)
Yatala, Sandy Creek Toad
Wongawallan, Wongawallan Rd
Neranwood, Gold Coast Springbrook Road (Austinville)

(Sources include 131940.qld.gov.au, QldAlert.com and Gold Coast City Council)

Drivers are urged to take caution in the wet weather and under no circumstances should they drive through flooded causeways or roads.

Do you know of any other roads that are closed, or ones that have reopened? Let us know! Leave a comment, go to our Facebook page or Twitter.

Remember, if it's flooded, forget it!

Gold Coast road closures 24/01/12 2pm

Note: See new post for current road closures here.

Gold Coast road closures as at 2pm Tuesday 24/01/12

The following council roads have been closed due to current weather conditions.

Drivers are urged to take caution in the wet weather and under no circumstances should they drive through flooded causeways or roads.

Further updates will be provided on road closures as they become available

Road / Location, Suburb, Road Closed (Date), Road Closed (Time)
Days Rd Coomera 24/01/2012 8.00 am
Goldmine Rd Ormeau 24/01/2012 9.30 am
Hotham Creek Rd (Culvert sth of Fernhill Dr P326 – A9) Willowvale 24/01/2012 10.00 am
Old Coach Rd Coomera 24/01/2012 8.15 am
Pimpama-Jacobs Well Rd (Near WRX Track) Pimpama 24/01/2012 9.30 am
Rix Dve - cnr Godden Dve Upper Coomera 24/01/2012 9.45 am
Siganto Dr Helensvale 24/01/2012 9.30 am
Billiau Road Guanaba 24/01/2012 9.15 am
Birds Rd Guanaba 24/01/2012 8.30 am
Clargiraba Rd (Coomera River Causeway) Clagiraba 24/01/2012 9.27am
Piggotts Road Guanaba 24/01/2012 9.45 am
Tarata Rd Guanaba 24/01/2012 8.45 am
Hardys Rd Bonogin 24/01/2012 7.25 am
Mount Cougal Rd Tallebudgera Valley 24/01/2012 12.18 pm
Tallebudgera Ck Rd (Past Dickfos Rd) Tallebudgera Valley 24/01/2012 12.18 pm

400m+ rain possible over next 8 days

South East Queensland is going to get another drenching based on current computer generated rainfall forecast maps for the next 8 days.

Along with areas of northern NSW as well, it appears up to (and over) 400mm of rain is possible over the period from tomorrow Sunday 21 January 2012 to next Saturday 28 January 2012.

Whilst these are only long-term forecasts that only indicate an approximate area, the chances of flooding during these rains is possible. Take the time to prepare now just in case.

The Gold Coast City Council's disaster management website (goldcoastcity.com.au/disaster) has excellent resources and information on how to be prepared for a disaster event. As a community, our strongest buffer in any disaster is: be informed, be prepared.

Some links that provide local information about preparing for floods including:

• Checking if you're in a flood prone area (flood heights and maps)
• Preparing for a flood
• Frequently asked questions about floods

The following basic tips regarding getting prepared are from Council's free Disaster Education Guide, which is available for download from their website, or printed copies are available from Council offices and libraries.

Three easy steps to plan for emergencies

1. Before a flood:

• Identify which roads and causeways are likely to flood and plan an alternative access route if necessary. These roads can usually be identified by looking for flood level markers.
• If your property is likely to be isolated in a flood, stock up on extra non- perishable supplies including bottled water and ensure your emergency kit is up to date.
• Identify when and where you would evacuate to if required.
• Ensure your insurance covers flood damage.

2. During a flood warning:

• Listen to your local radio station for flood updates.
• If it’s flooded, forget it. Don’t walk, ride or drive through flood waters.
• Turn off water, power and gas supplies.
• Raise furniture, valuables and electrical items onto higher floors, beds, tables or roof spaces.
• Sand bag entry points to your property. Put a sand bag inside toilets and on top of indoor drains to prevent sewage back flow.
• Move vehicles, outdoor equipment, garbage, and chemicals to higher ground.
• Ensure the safety of pets, children, elderly and those with special needs.

3. After a flood:

• Don’t wade or drive into remnant flood waters.
• Don’t re-enter your home until it is declared safe.
• Don’t use gas or electrical appliances until they are checked for safety.
• Don’t eat food that has been in flood water.
• Boil tap water until water supplies are declared safe.
• Contact your local SES on 132 500 for assistance

Phone 000 immediately if someone is caught in flood waters

More information?

For help and further information visit Council’s

disaster management website:

www.goldcoastcity.com.au/disaster t

hen follow the links to Floods.

Damaging Winds, Flash Flooding and Dangerous Surf

11:15pm Update: A Severe Weather Warning has been issued for Damaging Winds, Flash Flooding and Dangerous Surf for people on the coast and islands of the Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast Coast districts for Tuesday.

Synoptic Situation: At 10 pm Monday AEST, a surface low was located off the Capricornia coast. This surface low is expected to move southwards just off the Wide Bay and southeast Queensland coasts during Tuesday.

Damaging Winds and heavy rainfalls are expected to develop along the Wide Bay coast during Tuesday morning and is expected to extend southwards into coastal areas and the adjacent higher ground of the Southeast Coast district during the afternoon. 24 hour rainfall totals in excess of 150 mm are possible. This rainfall may be intense at times, leading to localised flash flooding. As well, dangerous surf conditions may occur with breaking waves in excess of 4 metres.

Locations that may be affected include Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Gympie, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.

A Flood Warning has been issued for coastal rivers and streams from Noosa to Caboolture and adjacent inland catchments.

These conditions will no longer affect people in the Capricornia district. (Source: BOM)

Severe weather warning for heavy rainfall

Parts of the southeast coast are expected to receive heavy rainfalls over the next 24-48 hours, with areas of the southern Capricornia and

the Wide Bay and Burnett districts also in for heavy falls.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a Severe Weather Warning at 4:50pm today, describing that a surface trough was located off the Capricornia coast and is expected to intensify and move south along the Wide Bay and southeast Queensland coasts during Tuesday.

Heavy rainfalls are expected to develop along the Capricornia coast and adjacent inland parts south of Gladstone in the early hours of Tuesday and extend southwards into remaining coastal areas and adjacent inland parts north of Brisbane during Tuesday. 24 hour rainfall totals in excess of 150 mm are possible. This rainfall may be intense at times, leading to localised flash flooding.

Locations that may be affected include Gladstone, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Gympie and the Sunshine Coast.

A Flood Warning has been issued for coastal rivers and streams from Noosa to Caboolture and adjacent inland catchments. (Source: BOM)

Whilst at this stage the Gold Coast hasn't been specifically listed, the computer generated rainfall forecast models over the next four days shows we could get between 50-100mm of rain tomorrow, Thursday and Friday - with Wednesday to get between 100-150mm. Add those figures up, and that's anywhere from 250-450mm of rain over the next four days!

Dick Whitaker, Chief Meteorologist at The Weather Channel says “Four-day ahead totals from today until Thursday show the rainfall bulls eye with falls of 100mm plus to be located over south-east Queensland and then from Friday to Monday over the New South Wales north and central coasts,”

Meanwhile, dangerous surf is also expected along the south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales coastlines later Monday through Tuesday into Wednesday as this low-pressure trough deepens and gradually moves south over coming days. (Source: The Weather Channel)

This is a timely reminder to avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters, and keep clear of creeks and storm drains. If you require assistance, contact the SES on 132 500, or for life threatening emergencies call 000. Please keep safe people, don't take risks.

Gold Coast

Forecast for the rest of Monday

Cool and cloudy with a few showers, tending to rain at times. Moderate to fresh E to SE winds.

Precis:

A few showers.

Forecast for Tuesday

Cool and cloudy with showers, tending to rain at times. A possible thunderstorm. Moderate to fresh NE to SE winds.

Precis:

Showers, possible storm.

Min 20

Max 25

UV Alert from 7:40 am to 4:10 pm, UV Index predicted to reach 14 [Extreme]

Wednesday

A few showers, possible storm.

Min 20

Max 27

Thursday

Shower or two, possible storm.

Min 19

Max 28

Friday

Mostly fine, possible shower.

Min 19

Max 27

Saturday

Mostly fine, possible shower.

Min 19

Max 27

Sunday

Mostly fine, possible shower.

Min 20

Max 29

Monday

Mostly fine, possible shower.

Min 21

Max 29

Coast fairs well in big wet

The Gold Coast has missed most of the anticipated 200-400mm of rain over the last 48 hours, with the heaviest falls staying north and west of Brisbane.

There were some large falls up to 130mm in the hinterland areas of Clagiraba and Springbrook on Sunday, and Springbrook again today with approx 70mm, however most of the coast stayed relatively dry with only 20-60mm received in the last 2 days.

There are still road closures across the city at the moment, including Guanaba Creek Road, Guanaba, and Birds Road, Maudsland, Hardys Road, Mudgeeraba and Clagiraba Road, Clagiraba.

Whilst some news stories are predicting another 300mm of rain in the next 48 hours, in my opinion it doesn't seem likely we'll receive any real rain tomorrow with just frequent light-moderate showers easing on Wednesday for the rest of the week.

However, there is still a Severe Weather Warning in effect for potential heavy falls and thunderstorms causing localised flash flooding overnight.

Rainfall forecasts for Tuesday show a potential falls of between 50-100mm.