12 February, 2026
urgent-flood-warning-300mm-rain-set-to-drench-queensland

UPDATE: Millions of Australians are on high alert as two powerful weather systems collide, delivering a potential deluge of over 300mm of rain across South East Queensland starting tonight. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued urgent warnings for flash flooding and rising river levels, affecting communities from July 15, 2025 through the weekend.

Heavy rainfall is expected to begin this evening, with many regions bracing for more than 150mm overnight. “There is definitely a risk of flooding from tonight onwards,” said Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Angus Hines. He emphasized that areas along the Brisbane River, as well as the Logan and Albert Rivers, are particularly vulnerable.

Between 300mm and 500mm of rain could fall in some parts over the next few days. The forecast indicates that the heaviest rainfall will occur overnight and into Friday, with persistent rain expected throughout the weekend, tapering off by Monday. Regions including Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast will be significantly impacted, along with inland areas extending toward the Darling Downs.

The collision of a cold front moving up from the south and a mass of humid air from Central Australia is intensifying the storms. Hines noted that this combination creates a potent environment for heavy rain and severe thunderstorms. “If we get the rainfall across the catchment, the rivers are going to rise really quickly, and flooding along the river is definitely possible,” he warned.

In addition to the deluge in Queensland, southern Australia is experiencing an unexpected cool change, leading to snowfalls in Tasmania. Temperatures have plummeted by up to 10 degrees below average, with reports of snow at elevations as low as 900m. This dramatic shift has provided some much-needed relief to farmers in the region.

As communities prepare for potential disaster, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions. The situation is developing rapidly, and further updates will be provided as conditions change.

Stay tuned for live updates and ensure you have a safety plan in place. Share this information to help keep others informed.