Residents are being urged not to put their lives at risk by driving through flooded roads, with more wet weather expected across parts of Queensland in the coming week.
Emergency crews have responded to multiple rescues recently, where motorists have driven through floodwaters and become swept away.
QPS Deputy Commissioner and State Disaster Coordinator Shane Chelepy said there is no reason for people to be driving through floodwaters.
“It does not matter how big your car is, or how equipped it is to handle four-wheel-drive conditions, it will not save you if you can’t see what is underneath the water and the road gives out from underneath you,” Deputy Commissioner Chelepy said.
“Have a backup plan for when conditions change, so you can get home safe to your loved ones.”
“If it means you have to take a longer route home, or wait out the wet weather, then I’d rather you be late home to your family, than never make it.”
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) recently launched its latest ‘If It’s Flooded, Forget It’ campaign, which highlights what can happen to your car in floodwater, reminding Queenslanders that flooding can take anyone by surprise.
QRA CEO Major General Jake Ellwood said making good decisions can save your life.
“In severe weather, road conditions can change suddenly and the risk is just not worth it,” Major General Ellwood said.
“Your car can have every gadget and safety feature imaginable, but it can’t protect you from floodwater. Don’t risk your life. If it’s flooded, forget it.”
Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist David Grant said recent wet weather across parts of the state has left some catchment areas saturated and very responsive to further rainfall.
“Showers, rain and thunderstorms will continue to impact eastern Queensland this week,” Mr Grant said.
“Catchments areas already saturated are likely to respond quickly to further rainfall with localised creek and river level rises. Flash flooding is possible in some areas.”
“Above average rainfall occurred across much of western, southern and southeast Queensland during November, which has increased soil moisture and dam levels in many areas.”
“At this stage, long-range forecasts are favouring average to above average rainfall across much of Queensland over the next few months,” Mr Grant said.
For more information, visit the Get Ready Queensland website: : https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/
For information on the ‘If It’s Flooded, Forget It campaign: https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/FloodedForgetIt
A woman is rescued from floodwaters on Gardner Road in Rochedale after heavy rain on November 16.
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Police in the Moreton District monitoring dangerous behaviour during wet weather in January, including motorists driving through flood waters.
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A group of locals helped to rescue a man whose car was washed away in floodwaters in the Moreton District, by bringing him to safety on a kayak and then boat in January.
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Police stop a motorist who was driving through floodwaters in Morayfield in January.
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Emergency crews help rescue motorists in two cars that became stuck in floodwaters on Gillies Range Road in Goldsborough on December 7.
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Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy urges residents not to drive through flood waters, following recent wet weather across parts of the state.