THE Weather Bureau has forecast up to 30mm of rain to fall on the Redlands tomorrow.
It comes as far north Queensland prepares for Cyclone Owen to bring flood rains to the northern half of the eastern seaboard.
Redland mayor and Local Disaster Coordination Group chairwoman Karen Williams said Redlands Coast residents should prepare for heavy conditions this weekend.
“Heavy to locally intense rainfall is expected over the coming days, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting severe thunderstorms with damaging to destructive winds, heavy rainfall and large hailstones across areas of south east Queensland today,” Cr Williams said.
“We ask people to prepare their homes, clean out gutters where it is still safe to do so, stay calm and stay informed.
“For weather forecasts visit the BOM website.
“For latest advice you can also tune in to 612ABC and Bay FM, visit disaster.redland.qld.gov.au or follow Redland City Council on Facebook and Twitter.
“Redland City Council is establishing sandbagging stations across Redlands Coast so that residents who are concerned that their properties may be inundated can collect free sandbags to help their preparations.
“The stations are now open and will remain open over the weekend, weather permitting.”
Meteorologist Nicholas Shera said while there were only showers about the south-east at the moment, the system was unstable and expected to produce severe thunderstorms.
Storms were expected to his the Scenic Rim range country early to mid-afternoon.
Mr Shera said storms could easily deliver 50mm to 100mm.
“We are looking at a similar story for tomorrow,” he said.
He said the storms would be influenced by Cyclone Owen.
Owen’s intensity was listed as category 3 this morning but could cross the coast as a category 4 system. It is expected to weaken slowly as it moves south inland over the southern Cape York Peninsula.
Self-service sandbag stations are located at:
· Cleveland: Cleveland Council Depot, South Street entrance, Cleveland from 7am – 7pm daily (Council staff will be onsite to assist)
· North Stradbroke Island: Outside the Council Depot on Mitchell Crescent, Dunwich, open 24 hours
· Russell Island: Outside the Council Depot on High Street, open 24 hours
Sand, sand bags and shovels will be supplied at the self-serve stations.
Residents are allowed a maximum limit of eight sand bags per household and enclosed shoes must be worn.
Redland SES is able to deliver sandbags to elderly, frail or mobility-impaired community members. To access this service telephone 132 500.
