4.31pm EST
16:31
Flooding in large parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales is expected to become more severe today as downpours continue unabated.
Six people have died in Queensland flood waters in the past few days with one death in NSW. The most recent death occurred in the Brisbane suburb of Indooroopilly overnight.
About 2.30am, a 34-year-old man from Moorooka became stuck in flood waters while driving. Queensland police said the man freed himself from his vehicle and attempted to swim to safety but his body was discovered a short time later.
The Brisbane City Council says its modelling suggests several thousand properties are at risk this morning.
The immediate concern is a high tide – expected about 7.30am at the mouth of the Brisbane River – that was expected to put properties at risk. Many of the local catchments are already spilling on to roadways and into properties.
Adding to concern are necessary water releases from Wivenhoe Dam, which has gone above 120% capacity. The first release was expected at 4am – though it can take up to 24 hours for the additional water to reach suburban parts of the catchment.
The forecast remains for heavy rain to continue.
