Brisbane experienced its heaviest rainfall in over 50 years, marking its fifth-wettest day on record. Although the intensity is predicted to moderate, heavy rainfall continues to affect south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.
As of 9 am on Monday, the city recorded a staggering 275.2mm of rain, reaching levels unseen since 1974. The overnight period saw 200 to 400 millimeters fall across various regions including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Scenic Rim, and Lockyer Valley. Capricornia, Eastern Darling Downs, and Granite Belt observed falls between 100-200 millimeters. As the rain continued in north-east NSW, a significant 264 millimeters were recorded at Bilambil Heights, near the border with Queensland.
The Bureau of Meteorology announced an easing of rainfall, offering relief with less heavy falls expected throughout the day. Severe weather warnings for Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, North West Slopes and Plains, and Northern Tablelands were canceled, pointing to improving conditions.
NSW Premier, Chris Minns, cautioned about unpredictable weather, warning of further rainfall over the next 24 hours. He highlighted improvement in Lismore, where evacuation notices were lifted, and a significant decrease in power outages from 43,000 to under 10,000 in the Northern Rivers area.
Flooding is expected in Ipswich tonight and along the Brisbane River come Tuesday morning. Senior meteorologist Christie Johnson from the Bureau of Meteorology expects the Brisbane River to reach “major flood level” by Monday evening and to rise further to about 12.35 meters overnight into Tuesday.
With multiple severe weather warnings still in effect across south-east Queensland and numerous emergency weather warnings for Northern NSW, the situation remains dire. Warnings span from areas north of Gympie down to the New South Wales border, extending inland as far as Goondiwindi. Northern NSW maintains over twenty emergency warnings, including moderate to major flood advisories for the Tweed, Wilsons, Clarence, and Richmond Rivers.
Looking ahead, thunderstorms are forecast to impact south-east Queensland and north-east NSW, extending possibly west into the Maranoa and Warrego regions, and as far south as Hunter and Sydney Metro.
At a press conference, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli reported that power had been restored to about 140,000 properties but warned that over 200,000 remain without power. He urged residents in flood-prone areas to stay informed, have a safety plan, and prioritize their safety. The Bureau of Meteorology advised residents to remain vigilant and warned against driving through floodwaters.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/10/nsw-and-queensland-weather-update-brisbane-drenched-by-wettest-day-in-51-years-but-easing-conditions-on-the-way-for-northern-nsw
