Australia: Flood-related disruptions ongoing across parts of Queensland as of Jan. 2

Flood-related disruptions are ongoing across parts of southeastern Queensland Jan. 2. Heavy rainfall in recent days has triggered widespread flooding across the region.

Authorities have established evacuation centers at Nerang, Coomera, and Tamborine Mountain. Reports indicate that at least 11,000 people are without power, mainly in southeastern Queensland; it could take several days before crews fully restore power. All Gold Coast beaches are closed due to hazardous surf conditions.

As of Jan. 2, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is maintaining the following flood warnings across the affected area:

• Moderate flood warnings: Dawson, Logan, Mooloolah, and Albert rivers

• Flood warning: Nerang and Coomera rivers

• Flood watch: parts of South East Coast

A severe weather warning for heavy, locally intense rainfall is in place for parts of Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast Coast forecast districts. Officials will likely update existing warnings in the coming hours and days.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.