Cyclone Debbie may have been downgraded to a tropical low but she’s not finished with the Sunshine Coast with wild weather expected this afternoon.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a severe weather warning for strong winds and heavy rain from about noon throughout south-east Queensland, including the Noosa Shire.
All schools throughout the Noosa and Sunshine Coast Shire regions are now closed for the day and there is already localised flooding throughout Eumundi. The Noosa River is expected to floor later this afternoon.
The Noosa Council has activated the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), ready to respond to the forecasted heavy rain and strong winds.
Local disaster co-ordinator Alan ‘Fox’ Rogers said the LDMG will monitor the situation overnight and keep in regular contact with the BoM.
“If required, we will then open our Disaster Co-ordination Centre today to ensure a quick and efficient response should we experience flash flooding,” he said.
“We would ask all members of the community not to travel unnecessarily if the predicted heavy rain starts to fall today, and under no circumstances enter flood waters – if it’s flooded, forget it.
“The best thing residents can do before the rain starts is to clear their gutters and secure outdoor furniture, as well as anything else that could blow away.”
Throughout Thursday the council will provide updates via its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/noosacouncil. For road closures check the council’s website at www.noosa.qld.gov.au or visitwww.131940.qld.gov.au
Listen to local radio for updates and check the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/ for weather warnings.
The number for the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) is 132 500.
In a life-threatening emergency call triple-zero (000).
