Queensland’s wild weather expected to ease as low moves offshore, BOM says – ABC News

Queensland should get a reprieve from wet conditions today, after being hit by heavy rain on Friday, the Bureau of Meteorology says.

Strong falls and gusty winds have battered much of the state's coast in recent days.

Senior forecaster Peter Markworth said the greatest falls had been in the Wide Bay and on the Sunshine Coast.

"The highest has been Gin Gin at 83 millimetres since 9amFriday. Sunshine Coast is the other region in the last 48 hours with over 100 millimetres but since 9am closer to probably 40 millimetres," Mr Markworth said.

The weather bureau said the strongest winds yesterday were recorded at Moreton Island and Double Island Point in the south-east, which were hit with gusts of about 100 kilometres per hour, while the Gold Coast had winds of about 80 kilometres an hour.

All Gold Coast beaches and most Sunshine Coast beaches remain closed.

Mr Markworth said the rough conditions werenot quite over yet.

A severe weather warning for damaging winds in the Wide Bay and Burnett and south-east coastwas cancelled by BOM at 8am this morning, but a severe weather warning for dangerous surf remained in place.

On Friday BOM senior hydrologistJess Carey said the weather system bringing the heavy rainfall to south-east Queensland was going to start moving offshore.

"These east coast lows are quite tricky to forecast from time to time, but really we're expecting that movement to the south-east," he said.

"What will persist over the next day or so is those really strong winds that we've seen upwards of 90 kilometres per hour and exposed areas along the south-east Queensland coast.

"That 4- to 5-metre swell with waves is certainly going to persist right along the south-east Queensland coastline and even into New South Wales as well."

Cruise ship the Coral Princess was supposed to dock in Brisbane at 6am yesterday, but due to the bad weather the port was closed so the ship hadto head out to sea near Caloundra.

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) general manager Kell Dillon said yesterday afternoon pilotage was suspended due to wave and wind conditions.

"Providing it is safe to conduct pilotage [on Saturday] morning, it is hoped the Coral Princess can be alongside mid-afternoon on 23 July," he said.

"MSQ is working with all stakeholders to recover from the disruptions caused by the weather event.

"Questions about alternative options for the Coral Princess are best addressed to Carnival."

Mr Dillon said on Saturday morning that conditions still remained "unfavourable" for the ship to enter the port.

"Conditions are being monitored closely. Safety is Maritime Safety Queensland's top priority," Mr Dillon said.

"A marine pilot is expected to board the Coral Princess in the early afternoon to assist with bringing the vessel into port.

"Providing it is safe to conduct pilotage later today, it is hoped the Coral Princess can be alongside late afternoon on 23 July."

A spokesperson for Princess Cruises said:"Guests currently on board and those who were due to embark for the next cruise are being updated regarding the ships late arrival and being assisted as fully as possible," the spokesperson said.

Aman's body was recovered yesterday morning after he was swept away in floodwaters at Nanango following downpours on Thursday night that caused flash flooding in the South Burnett region.

Police confirmed the 47-year-old man's body was discovered near Sandy Creek bridge after a vehicle was swept into floodwaters along Brown Street about 5.30am on Friday.

Manager of the Fitzroy Hotel in Nanango, Sharon Shaw, said the news of the man's death was devastating.

"It's pretty sad, especially when you don't know who it is no death is any good," she said.

"My condolences to the family of the gentleman who passed away in the flood.

"Just remember, if it's flooded forget it. Your life isn't worth it."

Ms Shaw said the town was expecting more rain.

"We've been told lately that they're still predicting another 50 to 100 millimetres in the next couple of days," she said.

The Western Downs region had not experienced flash flooding to the extent of the South Burnett yesterday, but growers in the area had been left reeling after water-damaged crops.

Doug Wunsch grows wheat and barley on his property in Jandowae, and the heavy falls had drowned the crops he had replanted for a second time.

He said it was another devastating blow after finishing planting just hours before the heavy rain.

"I went back in and started replanting there Tuesday afternoon and planted on another 120 hectares and finished up last night [Thursday] and took note of what the forecast was only saying 4 to 6 millimetres," he said.

"It came down quite well on the roof and then it just sort of got quite serious with a bit of thunder and she went all night.

"What I've seen this morning, I've just given a good wave goodbye, I'd imagine."

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Queensland's wild weather expected to ease as low moves offshore, BOM says - ABC News