All schools have been closed from Agnes Water down to the New South Wales border and out to Nanango.
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said flash flooding was a "real live issue" throughout the south-east Queensland corner and the school closures were a safety precaution.
"This weather will intensify throughout the course of the day, the thing we don't want is for parents and children to be on the road in 90 km/h wind gusts or heavy rainfall," she said.
"We have taken decision to close all schools from Agnes Water down to New South Wales and out to Nanango, this includes independent schools and catholic schools."
Director General of Education Dr Jim Watterson said those students who had already been dropped off would be cared for, however urged parents to make arrangements to pick up their children early.
"All students will be cared for if they have been dropped off but we do expect conditions to worsen during the day so we expect all parents to pick up their children earlier in the day," he said.
Police Commissioner Ian Stewart urged employers to consider sending home their staff early as the weather worsens.
"(Employers please consider) releasing employees early to pick up kids and relatives early," he said.
"We can't afford to have young, inexperienced children walking home when there could be flash flooding."
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