17th Mar 2021 3:01 PM A meteorologist revealed Retreat Creek was unlikely to reach a second peak following initial flash flooding at Sapphire on Wednesday morning - but more rain could be on the way. Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Matt Marshall said intense rainfall led to flash flooding overnight in areas west of Clermont and Emerald, due to thunderstorms embedded in a broader rain band. River levels at Sapphire rose rapidly to above major flood levels in response to the intense rainfall, he said. An emergency weather alert was issued by Queensland Fire and Emergency Service in response to the intense rainfall and flood situation and Sapphire residents were evacuated.
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The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning on Wednesday afternoon that predicted heavy rainfall and the risk of flash flooding in parts of Capricornia.
“A stalled coastal trough is combining with a moist air mass over the Capricornia coast,” the warning said.
“Convergence and rainfall around the trough is likely to be enhanced overnight, with heavy falls likely for parts of the Capricornia coastline.”
Rainfall leading to flash flooding may develop late on Wednesday and into Thursday morning.
Totals of 100 to 200mm within a six-hour period are likely, with “locally intense” greater falls also possible.
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The skies opened over much of Central Queensland overnight, favouring especially those in the Central West and Central Highlands.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Felim Hanniffy said that Rockhampton and its surrounds received about 30mm of rain, less than half of some inland areas.
“The heavier stuff was further inland across parts of the Central West, Central Highlands and Coalfields,” he said.
“There was a severe thunderstorm warning for some of these areas.
“For today again there is a risk of some storm activity.
“Even tomorrow as well, the risk remains typically about that Central West and Central Highlands.”