Rain warning for Queensland as end of Easter break looms
Residents of coastal areas of Queensland north of Bundaberg are battening down, with rain expected to intensify by Sunday evening as a low pressure system approaches.
Ex-tropical cyclone Iris has been slowly approaching the Queensland coast since late last week, with forecasters still unsure of where it will eventually cross.
Ex-tropical cyclone Iris is producing hazardous surf conditions across Queensland\'s coasts during Saturday as it approaches.
Photo: Bureau of Meterology"We have a split in the forecasts, some of them have it going more north, and some of them have it a little further south," said weather bureau forecaster Laura Pattie.
"So that remains to be seen but either way they will still see some shower activity."
Initial falls in excess of up to 150mm are possible wherever the system crosses the coast, with some areas potentially getting up to 500mm over three days.
Authorities are taking no chances, with crews pre-deployed to areas from Cairns all the way to Bundaberg.
"In anticipation of very heavy rain in some areas, additional swift-water rescue technicians have been pre-deployed to north Queensland, and will be positioned strategically throughout the flood watch area to support local crews," said state Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford.
It comes after ex-tropical cyclone Nora dumped more than a metre of rain on the north and far north of the state in the past week, causing widespread flooding.
The rain is expected to well and truly hit by Monday, which has authorities concerned about people driving home after spending the long weekend away.
State Disaster Co-ordinator Deputy Police Commissioner Bob Gee said people should keep up to date with weather warnings and heed the message of "if it's flooded, forget it".
"There's a clear message for everyone that's travelling over the weekend, from Sunday night to next Wednesday, there'll be heavy rain everywhere," he said.
AAP