Major Flooding in Ipswich and Surrounding Areas
The Bremer River and Warrill Creek have reached major flood levels, with further rises expected. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has warned Ipswich residents to prepare for worsening conditions.
A BOM spokesperson said, “We are expecting more widespread flooding in that catchment leading to major flooding at Ipswich.”
Latest Weather Update:
Severe Weather Update: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has dissipated; severe weather continues.
Video current: 9:30am AEST 10 March 2025.
Latest forecasts and warnings: https://t.co/4W35o8iFmh or the BOM Weather app. pic.twitter.com/gkBBMcGCjw
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 10, 2025
River levels are projected to peak at around 12.35 metres overnight from Monday into Tuesday. The Brisbane River catchment has also experienced significant rainfall, with Laidley Creek already at a major flood level.
Overnight, rainfall in the catchment ranged from 150 to 250mm, causing rapid rises.
An EMERGENCY ALERT has been issued for Ipswich as at 11:39am on Monday, March 10.
This is a FLOOD WATCH AND ACT from Ipswich City Council.
PREPARE TO LEAVE. Check the flood map for your property.
For more information https://t.co/en87KD242T pic.twitter.com/Ymjn0oMaeo
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) March 10, 2025
Disaster Declared in Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley
Authorities have declared a disaster in Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley. The declaration grants police additional powers to manage movement in and out of affected areas.
Police have conducted doorknocks in at-risk homes in Laidley, Rosewood, and Grantham. Authorities have issued two emergency alerts for the Lockyer Valley and Laidley.
Figure 1: Tree falls into house in Toowoomba
Severe Weather Warning Extends Across South-East Queensland
The BOM has issued a severe weather warning from Gympie to the Queensland border. The warning covers Toowoomba and Goondiwindi.
A BOM spokeswoman stated, “We have a severe weather warning for south-east Queensland areas.”
12:21pm: This warning has been cancelled, as the immediate threat of very dangerous thunderstorms has passed. However the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary. Separate rain and flood warnings remain current.
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 10, 2025
Rainfall totals could reach 150mm in six-hour periods, leading to flash flooding.
Warrego Highway Closure to Continue
The Warrego Highway, a crucial connection between Brisbane and Toowoomba, will remain closed indefinitely.
Authorities have deployed resources on both sides of the closure to ensure emergency response remains effective.
Click here for latest road closure and traffic updates
Authorities Warn of More Rain
Queensland Police have urged residents to remain vigilant as further rain is expected.
“Apart from the rain we’ve seen this morning, we heard the bureau talk about the risk of further rain,” a police spokesperson said.
Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to stay updated on emergency warnings.
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Current BOM Warnings Across Queensland and NSW
- Severe thunderstorms: Central Coast, Whitsundays, Wide Bay, and Burnett
- Severe weather warnings: Southeast Queensland, parts of Wide Bay, Burnett, Darling Downs, and Granite Belt
- Major flood warnings: Laidley Creek, Bremer River, Warrill Creek, Logan River, Albert River, Tweed River, Clarence River, Richmond River
- Moderate flood warnings: Lockyer Creek, Stanley River, Upper Brisbane River, Wilson’s River, Macleay River, Orara River
- Minor flood warnings: Mary River, Maroochy River, Noosa River, Nerang River, Richmond River at multiple locations
Major Flooding Recorded in Beaudesert and Beenleigh
Beaudesert and Beenleigh are experiencing major flooding as river levels continue rising.
“In the Albert River at Beenleigh, major flooding is also occurring,” a BOM spokeswoman said.
Minor flooding has been recorded in the Brisbane River at Brisbane City, with further rises expected.
Emergency Warnings Lifted in Lismore
Authorities have lifted the last emergency warning for the Lismore area.
Flood-affected residents in north Lismore have been advised to return with caution. The Wilsons River continues to fall slowly, though moderate flooding remains.
Figure 2: Lismore has seen extensive flooding over the weekend. [AAP:Jason O’Brien]
NSW Moves to Recovery Phase
The NSW government has shifted focus to recovery efforts in the Northern Rivers.
Minister for the North Coast, Rose Jackson, said evacuation centres would start closing.
She acknowledged logistical challenges, saying, “That scale-up did present some logistic challenges, so that is something we need to reflect on for next time.”
Flood Rescue in Lockyer Valley
Swiftwater rescue teams pulled a woman in her 60s from floodwaters in Glenore Grove.
Her car was washed into floodwaters at Forest Hill Fernvale Road. She was taken to hospital but suffered no injuries.
Financial Support Announced for Affected Workers
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced income support for workers and sole traders affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Eligible individuals can receive up to 13 weeks of income support at the JobSeeker rate.
We’re working with every level of government to make sure people in Queensland and New South Wales affected by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred get the help they need straight away. pic.twitter.com/Ait6Ga8XJc
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 9, 2025
Residents in 31 local government areas across Queensland and NSW can apply from 2pm Tuesday via MyGov or Services Australia.
Tweed Region Faces Drinking Water Shortages
Residents across the Tweed region have been asked to conserve water.
“We are working around the clock to keep reservoirs filled,” Tweed Shire Council stated.
Bilambil Heights, Terranora, and parts of Banora Point remain under Boil Water Alerts. A refill station operates daily at Bilambil Hall.
Power and Phone Reception Outages in Northern NSW
Residents in parts of northern NSW have been without power and phone reception since Thursday.
Murwillumbah residents expressed frustration, with one person saying, “She hasn’t heard from her daughter who is heavily pregnant and due soon.”
Authorities have delivered power generators to essential businesses, but full restoration remains uncertain.
The power outages in SE Queensland and Northern NSW due to the cyclone have left people with no ability to cook or have hot water. Relying solely on the electricity grid is fraught with peril during disasters. Getting rid of gas lines has its repercussions that few will discuss… pic.twitter.com/uHJxWPr4BZ
— Mafesto (@Mafesto) March 9, 2025
NSW SES Urges Caution Despite Lifting Warnings
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing has urged returning Lismore residents to remain cautious.
“We don’t want to trip [at] the last hurdle. The roads are still slippery,” he said.
Some roads remain blocked by debris and floodwaters.
Prime Minister Calls on Insurers to Act Quickly
Anthony Albanese has called on insurance companies to process claims swiftly.
“This is a time when insurance companies can restore some of their reputation,” he said.
He warned that the government would intervene if insurers fail to act responsibly.
ADF Soldiers Involved in Lismore Truck Crash Returning to Brisbane
Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that 32 soldiers were in two army trucks involved in a crash near Lismore.
One soldier remains in hospital but is in stable condition. All personnel will return to Brisbane today.
Fraser Coast Mayor Criticises Lack of Warning for Hervey Bay Flooding
Hervey Bay received 200mm of rain in two hours on Sunday, causing widespread flash flooding.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said, “When this happened, we weren’t [under] a warning.”
BOM meteorologist Christie Johnston admitted that predicting exact locations of intense rainfall remains difficult.
Supermarkets Reopen as Restocking Continues
Most Woolworths stores in south-east Queensland and northern NSW have reopened.
Staff are replenishing supplies after panic buying left shelves empty.
Figure 3: Supermarkets reopen as restocking continues
A Woolworths spokesperson said, “More than 300 truckloads have left our Brisbane distribution centre on route to our stores.”
Supermarkets in Hervey Bay have resumed operations, except for the closed Woolworths store. Nearby stores in Eli Waters and Urangan remain open.
Gold Coast Begins Clean-Up Efforts
Recovery operations have started on the Gold Coast following severe storms and flooding.
Authorities have urged residents to dispose of flood-damaged items responsibly. Emergency crews continue clearing debris from roads and waterways.
Figure 4: Cleanup ongoing at Gold Coast [ABC News: Brendan Esposito]
Ongoing Warnings and Updates
ABC Emergency will continue broadcasting warnings across Queensland and NSW. Residents should stay informed through official emergency channels.
- Brisbane: 612 AM, 106.1 FM and Digital Radio
- Gold Coast: 91.7 FM
- Sunshine Coast: 90.3 FM and 95.3 FM
- Hervey Bay and Fraser Coast: 855 AM
- Southern Queensland: 747 AM and 104.9 FM
- North Coast NSW: 94.5 FM and 720 AM
- Glen Innes and surrounds: 819 AM
- Grafton and surrounds: 738 AM
- Coffs Harbour and Coffs Coast: 92.3 FM
- Kempsey, Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast: 95.5 FM and 684 AM
