Flooding in Nambour CBD.

The hinterland has been hit by heavy rain overnight, with roads closed and emergency services called to assist in several rescues.

At 7.30am today (Monday, March 10) Sunshine Coast Council issued an emergency warning to residents for a flood watch and act - monitor conditions for minor and flash flooding on the coast.

Falls of over 400mm were recorded across the Coast. This intense rainfall has led to widespread flash flooding, as well as localised rapid creek and river level rises in our hinterland areas.

Sunshine Coast Council Local Disaster Management Group Coordinator Bill Haddrill said intense rainfall was recorded over the Sunshine Coast Hinterland from Eumundi to Maleny.

“In the previous 24hrs Diamond Valley received the highest total of 393mm which is a significant amount of rain for this area,” Mr Haddrill said. 

“Overnight (last 12 hours) we saw 303mm at Woombye, 296mm of rain recorded in Mooloolah Valley, 284mm in Palmwoods, 267mm in Nambour, 224mm in Maleny and 218mm for Yandina.

“There are flood warnings in place with the eastern side of the Hinterland experiencing localised flooding affecting Nambour, Palmwoods and Eudlo area particularly, with the potential for it to strengthen to moderate flood warnings.

“Currently there are 48 roads across our region that are impacted and we can expect more to be affected as conditions can change rapidly with more rain predicted for today.

“Driving during these conditions is extremely dangerous, even if they are familiar routes, and flooded roads can be deadly. 

More moderate to locally heavy rainfall is forecast to continue today, with further river and creek level rises expected into Tuesday.

Nambour is experiencing flooding throughout the town with Bli Bli Road, Lind Lane, Short Street, Coronation Avenue, Blackall Terrace, Nambour connection Road, Hospital Road, and Florence Street closed, and businesses inundated.

We are monitoring the conditions, however heavy-to-locally-intense rainfall is forecast, which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding.

We are already seeing this throughout the Nambour, West Woombye, Palmwoods, Maleny, Mapleton, Eumundi and Eudlo catchment areas. 

The SES has received 77 requests in the past 24 hours, due to homes impacted by the rain.

More than 150,000 people have taken on board advice and used Council’s Disaster Hub Sunshine Coast to access up-to-date information on road closures and weather warnings.

We encourage our community to continue to do so.

Roads closed

There are around 100 roads closures reported across our region but we expect more throughout the day. 

Driving during these conditions is extremely dangerous, and flooded roads can be deadly. 

Please do not drive unless essential. Don’t be afraid to pull over somewhere safe and wait until the storm passes.

Be aware there are roads that are potentially flooded that may not yet be sign-posted. Allow extra time for an alternative route.

‘If it’s flooded, forget it!’.

For a current list of roads closures visit Disaster Hub Sunshine Coast.

Power outages

There have been a number of power outages in our region impacting properties at Nambour, Montville, North Maleny, Peachester, Stony Creek, Royston and Doonan.

For power outage information, visit Energex.com.au.

Places of Refuge

Council is reviewing the remaining two places of refuge at Nambour and Caloundra, with a view to winding down operations this afternoon, subject to the evolving conditions.

Waste collection

We have heard our community’s concerns, and we are helping those who have critical hygiene-related issues.

Council will provide an on-demand residential collection service for critical hygiene-related needs for those who missed last week’s service. This will be for extreme circumstances and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Residents are encouraged to visit the ‘Report a missed bin’ page on Council’s website and complete the ‘Empty my bin form’ to communicate the urgency or hazardous nature of their request.

Council’s refuse tips reopened on Monday, March 10, with the exception of Nambour due to flooding, and will be free for residential properties directly impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred for disposal of storm-damaged household general waste and green waste, until COB Sunday, March 16.

Please stay indoors and wait until the potential for flash flooding has passed. 

Keep up to date at Disaster Hub Sunshine Coast.

Council customer service

Customer service counters in Caloundra and Maroochydore are open, while Nambour is closed until further notice. 

Due to the recent weather conditions, Council is experiencing a high volume of calls. Please be patient as we work to assist everyone as quickly as possible.

Library Services

The Nambour, Beerwah, Kenilworth libraries and the Mobile Library are closed today (Monday 10 March) due to flooding. 

The Beerwah Meeting Place is also closed.

Reservations ready for pickup will be available once we reopen. Customers should keep library items at home until it is safe to return them.

School closures

For up-to-date information on current school closures please check the Emergency education facility closures.

For more information:

• Follow our local Council disaster dashboard.

• Listen to your local ABC radio 90.3.

• Check the latest weather, warnings, rainfall, and river heights at the Bureau of Meteorology Queensland website.

• Check road closures at the QLD Traffic website or for phone service call 131 940.

• Check disruptions to public transport at the Translink website.

• To report a Council-related urgent matter or emergency, call (07) 5475 7272 or 1300 007 272.

If you require urgent SES assistance please contact SES at 132 500 or log a request for the SES app: https://132500.qld.gov.au/ses-webapp/