Severe storm warning for parts of CQ

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING for Heavy Rain

For people in parts of the Maranoa and Warrego, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Central West and Central Highlands and Coalfields districts. Issued at 5:20 pm on Thursday 2 February 2012

Synoptic Situation:
At 4:30 pm EST, an upper level trough was located over western Queensland. The trough is expected to move eastwards tonight and weaken as it contracts into southeast districts during Friday afternoon.

Heavy rain areas are expected over the Central West [east of Longreach] ,Maranoa and Warrego [east of Charleville] , Central Highlands and Coalfields [southwest of Springsure] , and Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts [west of Goondiwindi] .

Locations that may be affected include Blackall, Barcaldine, Mitchell, Roma, St George, and the Carnarvon Ranges.

It is expected that this rainfall will exacerbate the current river flooding situation and could also be quite intense at times, leading to localised flash flooding. 24 hour rainfall totals in excess of 100mm are likely.

Currently, a slow moving rain band lies between Charleville and Roma and through the Central West district east of Longreach.

This rain band is expected to extend eastwards to affect the Carnarvon Ranges, Roma and Goondiwindi tonight and early Friday.

Highest rainfall totals since 9am Thursday include: Biddenham 76mm, Augathella 59mm, Tambo 42mm and St George 33mm.

Rain areas are expected to ease to showers from the west over the warning area during Friday morning.

Flood Warnings are current for various rivers and streams. Refer to www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings for further information.

Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should:

• Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.