Parts of the Sunshine Coast have been lashed by heavy rain overnight, with roads closed and emergency services called to assist in several rescues.
A severe thunderstorm warning for intense rainfall for parts of the Sunshine Coast, Somerset and Moreton Bay council areas was issued at 4.06am on Monday, as the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred were felt across the region.
In the hour from 3am to 4am on Monday, Eudlo received 66m of rain, while Palmwoods and Maleny had 50mm and Nambour 35mm.
From 9am Sunday to 4am Monday, West Woombye received 357mm, Diamond Valley 329mm, Nambour 294mm, Eudlo 292mm, Yandina 248mm and Maleny 240mm.
Sunshine Coast Council said the intense localised rainfall had caused minor to moderate flooding to occur in locations on the eastern side of the hinterland, from Eumundi, Nambour, Yandina, Maleny, Mapleton, Palmwoods, Woombye, Bald Knob, Witta and Glass House Mountains.
The Sunshine Coast Disaster Hub said 13 local roads were closed at 4.30am. Among them were Bli Bli Road, Lind Lane, Short Street and Coronation Avenue in Nambour; Woombye Palmwoods Road, Jubilee Drive and Old Palmwoods Road in Palmwoods; Neill Road (Mooloolah River Bridge) in Mooloolah Valley; Stevens Road, Glenview; and Vee Road in Yandina. That was updated to 34 local roads by 5.50am.
Paramedics responded to reports of patients stuck in a house in flood water on Perwillowen Road at 3.19am. No patients required transport to hospital.
They also responded to reports of two vehicles being caught in floodwater on Carter Street, Nambour, at 3.39am. Neither patient required transport to hospital.
Reports were received of a vehicle caught in floodwater on Dunning Street, Palmwoods, at 4.16am. The incident was handled by swiftwater rescue as paramedics were unable to reach the area due to the floodwater.
Nambour State College, Palmwoods State School, Burnside State School and Burnside State High School will all be closed Monday.
Police posted to social media at 4.30am Monday to warn of dangers on the roads.
“Multiple roads are closed due to localised flooding in the Nambour area including Price and Florence streets, Currie Street and Coronation Avenue and Bli Bli Road,” it said.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and drive to the conditions. Remember, if it is flooded, forget it.”
More than 70 homes were without power at 4.30am, most of them in Nambour.
Sunshine Coast residents have been warned for several days about the potential for heavy rainfall, despite ex-TC Alfred being downgraded to a tropical low on Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, a hazardous surf warning for Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast waters was cancelled on Sunday afternoon.
