Redlands motorists urged to heed ‘if it’s flooded, forget it’ warnings

Redlands Coast residents are urged not to drive through flood water over roads after emergency services attended five swift water incidents overnight.

Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group chair Karen Williams said one driver had to be rescued after her car ended up on a guard rail on Springacre Road, Thornlands.

“While last night’s rain was far above what the bureau predicted it is concerning that some motorists took unnecessary risks by driving on flooded roads and they were very lucky their actions didn’t end in tragedy,” she said.

“I urge all drivers to heed the messaging – if it’s flooded, forget it.”

The other swift water incidents occurred on Vienna Road Alexandra Hills, Duncan Road and Avalon Road in Sheldon, and Pitt and Nelson Road Wellington Point.

Cr Williams said Redland SES Unit received 110 calls for assistance overnight after last night’s downpour.

“The level of rain that fell on Redlands Coast last night over a short period of time was remarkable, and included 118mm at Alexandra Hills between 6.15pm and 7.15pm.

“Most of the calls to the SES were for flooding and leaking roofs.

“I urge everyone to be patient as our wonderful SES volunteers make their way around the city.

“If any residents, especially those in low-lying areas, have concerns about flooding to their properties I encourage them to attend one of Council’s self-serve sandbagging stations set up today at the South Street Depot in Cleveland and outside the depots on North Stradbroke (Minjerribah), Russell and Macleay islands.

“More rain is forecast over the next couple of days, with the Bureau of Meteorology advising the chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe, today so I encourage residents to go early to collect sandbags.

“I also encourage residents whose properties are prone to flood to have sandbags at their home ready for significant rain events.”

Cr Williams said Council would continue to monitor water over roads, however the majority of flash flooding had subsided.

“Leslie Harrison Dam, which is managed by Seqwater, started to spill last night and our catchments are waterlogged, so any further rain could lead to more flooding,” she said.

Council’s sandbagging stations are open until 6pm today.

Contact the SES on 132 500 if you require assistance or if you need sandbags outside sandbagging station hours.

For life-threatening emergencies, contact triple zero (000) for Police, Fire and Ambulance services.

Keep up to date on weather warnings at bom.gov.au/qld