Pomona and District Weather Warnings

ANZAC Day services by town:

✈️ F/A-18F Super Hornet flyover 9:39am Cooroy/Pomona ✈️

Cooroy -
* 4:45am Dawn Service - cenotaph.
* 10:30am street march.

Kin Kin -
* 10:00am Butter factory carpark.

Pomona -
* 5:30am Pomona QFES station (opposite war memorial).

Tewantin -
* 5.30am Dawn Service.
* 6.30am Cemetery Service.
* 9.00am Main Parade.

QFES Pomona Fire & Rescue Station will once again hold our annual ANZAC service on Tuesday 25th April at 0530.
Feel free to come down and join your local firefighters.

𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓 🚧 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐋 𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐀 – QLD Rail have advised they will be completing maintenance works on the level crossing (outlined in red on the map below), between 6.30am and 5.30pm, on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March. During this time, Stop and go traffic controls will be in place and disrupted trains will be replaced with timetabled buses.

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:
👉Machinery and Construction Noise
👉Rail and tack maintenance
👉Traffic management for road users and pedestrians

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
👉For replacement bus enquiries – Translink on 13 12 30
👉For traffic management enquiries – Customised Traffic Management on 07 3881 1191
👉For more information about QLD Rail works – 13 16 17 (business hours) or email
[email protected]

𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐀 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 🛣 In response to resident concerns, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) have completed a formal speed review on the section of road between the Exhibition Street and Subway Avenue intersections (per map below) leading to a the speed limit reduction from 60km/h to 50km/h. Works to replace the signs will commence on 13 March and will take approximately two days to complete, weather permitting. The daytime works will be performed between 6.30am and 5pm. If you require additional information, please contact TMR on 5451 7055 or email [email protected].
👉Reminder that our office has posted the full TMR standard speed limit review process including which stakeholders are consulted at www.sandybolton.com/speed-limit-review-process-january-2023

Todays storm forecast from Bureau of Meteorology (bom).

Throw back to 2020 when the Pomona SES & by virtue the Pomona and District Weather Warnings (us) was deployed to New South Wales to assist with the severe flooding.

Today we had the opportunity to welcome Qld SES teams from Caloundra and surrounds to help NSW SES Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Tweed Coast and Mullumbimby units. With requests for assistance.

Thank you also goes too, two spontaneous volunteers who came up and helped fill sandbags.

We may be from different states but the same colour at heart.

Pic was only with a couple of the guys before heading back to the hotel for well earned rest. SES, SES

For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.

STAY INFORMED - Wolvi (near Gympie) - fire as at 6:05pm Sunday, 12 February 2023

Warning level: ADVICE

Warning area: Ryan Road, Wolvi Mountain Road, Vines Road, Sunshine Road, Neusa Vale Road and McIntyre Road



A fire is currently burning between Wolvi Mountain Road and Sunshine Road.



What you should do:



- Stay informed:

- Follow QFES on Facebook and Twitter.

- Listen to your local radio station.

- Check the QFES current bushfires dashboard regularly.

- Keep medications close by.

- Decide what you will do if the situation changes.

- If you have a bushfire survival plan, refer to it now.

- Identify where you will go and what you will take if you need to leave. Advise family and friends of your plans.

- Avoid smoke – stay indoors, close windows and doors, and avoid driving through smoke where possible.

- Be aware of firefighters working in the area.

- If your life or property is threatened, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.



Impacts:



- There is no threat to property at this time.

- Reduced air quality may cause health impacts for some people.

- Smoke may reduce visibility and affect driving conditions.

- Roads may be closed.



Further Information:



- Further updates will be provided if required.

- See https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents for current incidents and warnings.

- See https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/bushfires for bushfire preparation tips.

- Follow health guidance and monitor live air quality information by clicking https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/air-quality/ .

- Follow QFES on Facebook and Twitter https://twitter.com/QldFES.

- See https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ for road closure information or call 13 19 40.

⚠️ Watch and Act - Prepare to Leave ⚠️
🔥 Bushfire, Wolvi 🔥

Prepare to enact your bushfire survival plan.

Warning area:
• Ryan Road
• Wolvi Mountain Road
• Vines Road
• Sunshine Road
• Neusa Vale Road
• McIntyre Road

A fast moving fire is travelling south between Wolvi Mountain Road and Sunshine Road.

Conditions could get worse quickly.

Fire fighters are working to contain the fire, you should not expect a firefighter at your door.

🔥 Vegetation Fire, Wolvi 🔥

There is a vegetation fire on Vines Road in Wolvi.

As at 1351, 19 vehicles in attendance.

☀️ Low Intensity Heatwave warning ☀️

For Saturday, 10 February 2023.

⚠️ Category 3 Severe Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle ⚠️

Severe Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle now at category three intensity as it heads towards Norfolk Island where a warning is current for a potential category two impact for Saturday and Sunday.

Areas Affected: Norfolk Island.

Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle at 5:00 am NFT:

Intensity: Category 3, sustained winds near the centre of 120 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 165 kilometres per hour.

Location: within 35 kilometres of 20.8 degrees South 156.2 degrees East, estimated to be 1500 kilometres northwest of Norfolk Island.

Movement: southeast at 36 kilometres per hour.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle has developed to category three intensity over the central Coral Sea. Gabrielle is moving towards the southeast, well offshore of the Queensland coast. The centre of the cyclone is likely to pass very close to Norfolk Island overnight Saturday night, possibly whilst at category two intensity, and then move away during Sunday. Gabrielle is a very large cyclone having gale-force winds and high waves extending much further from the centre than a typical cyclone.

Gabrielle is not directly affecting the Queensland coast, however exposed eastern coastal areas may experience large waves and fresh to strong winds during Friday.

For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.

AVOID SMOKE - Ringtail Creek (near Tewantin) - fire as at 7:43pm Wednesday, 8 February 2023

Warning level: ADVICE

Warning area: Ringtail Creek and surrounding areas



Smoke is currently affecting Ringtail Creek and surrounding areas.



What you should do:



- Follow health guidance and monitor live air quality information by using the links below.

- Avoid driving through smoke where possible and be aware of firefighters working in the area.

- Stay indoors, and close windows and doors.

- Keep respiratory medication close by.

- If you have a bushfire survival plan, refer to it now.



Impacts:



- There is no direct fire threat to property at this time.

- Reduced air quality may cause health impacts for some people.

- Smoke may reduce visibility and affect driving conditions.

- Roads may be closed.



Further Information:



- Further updates will be provided if required.

- See https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents for current incidents and warnings.

- See https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/bushfires for bushfire preparation tips.

- Follow health guidance and monitor live air quality information by clicking https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/air-quality/ .

- Follow QFES on Facebook and Twitter https://twitter.com/QldFES.

- See https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ for road closure information or call 13 19 40.

Noosa Small Business Disaster Resilience Forum Noosa Council is hosting a small business disaster resilience forum designed to help businesses after a disaster or a crisis.

~ INITIAL REPORT - Traveston Train Derailment ~
Derailment involving freight train Y279 near Traveston, Queensland, on 23 February 2022.

The following is a breakdown of the Initial report into the derailment of freight train Y279. This breakdown only shows the timing of the events. This report was issued by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)

Background:
At 2332 local time on 22 February 2022, freight train Y279, operated by Aurizon, departed Acacia Ridge, Queensland, for a journey to Stuart Yard, Queensland.

At about 0200 on 23 February 2022, the Queensland Rail (QR) Traveston wayside remote monitoring system, located at the 149.280 km point between Cooran and Traveston, detected rising flood waters and, later, the overtopping of the rails by the floodwaters at that location.

Floodwater heights at the Traveston RMS:
At about 0200, Y279 approached Eudlo (92.680 km point). At this time, the Traveston wayside remote monitoring system (Traveston RMS), located adjacent to a cross track concrete box type drainage culvert at the 149.280 km point, recorded the water level in the culvert had risen to 945 mm below rail height. At about 0230, Y279 departed North Arm (117.170 km point). At this time, the Traveston RMS recorded the water level had risen to 321 mm below rail height. About 0236, the Traveston RMS recorded the water level had risen further to 12 mm below rail height. At about 0238, the water level was recorded to have overtopped the rail by 90 mm. At about 0244, the Traveston RMS recorded floodwaters peaked at 193 mm above rail height before then starting to recede.

Cooroy to Pomona:
At about 0242, as the driver approached Cooroy, the NCO radioed the driver to notify of a track fault that had affected the signalling system from Cooran toward Traveston and to prepare to stop Y279 at Cooran, signal CR25, to receive an SW50 form[1] to authorise them to continue toward Traveston. The driver acknowledged receipt of the message and continued their journey through Cooroy toward Pomona.

Pomona to Cooran:
As Y279 approached Pomona (139.980 km point), the driver recalled that the rain was still heavy, and that there was floodwater pooled adjacent the track, with the level nearly to the top of the ballast in places. The driver reduced train speed and continued toward the Pomona yard, where they recalled observing the floodwaters were lapping the underside of a rail bridge over a small creek at the entry to the yard.

The driver continued through Pomona toward Cooran (145.520 km point). They recalled that, as the train approached the Jampot Creek rail bridge, the floodwaters were pooled against the track formation and water was lapping the underside of the rail bridge. After crossing Jampot Creek, the driver continued toward Cooran where they stopped Y279 at signal CR25, as previously requested by the NCO.

At about 0308, the driver radioed the NCO in preparation to receive the SW50 form. The driver reported their observations of floodwaters through Pomona to the NCO, who advised they would follow up on the driver’s report.

During the conversation between the driver and the NCO, the signalling system recovered and signal CR25 displayed a proceed indication. The NCO advised the driver that they could now proceed under signal indication toward Woondum, the next station after Traveston. The NCO asked the driver to observe the signal indications as they went. The driver acknowledged and advised the NCO that they expected to encounter a lot of floodwater through the area ahead as well. The NCO requested the driver kept them updated on the situation along the way.

Cooran to Traveston:
At about 0310, Y279 passed signal CR25 and continued toward Traveston. The driver initially increased the train speed to 27 km/h. Shortly after, the driver, expecting to encounter floodwaters, reduced the train speed to 15 km/h to travel through an area of track that was known to be prone to flooding (Figure 3). The driver recalled that, although floodwaters were present, they considered there was not enough water to be of concern.

At about 0315, after passing through the flood-prone area, the driver began to increase the train speed. The driver recalled that it was still raining, and they were having difficulty seeing out so they opened the driver’s side window to look out. Shortly after the driver sighted an anomaly in the track ahead. The train was travelling at a speed of 33 km/h.

At 0318 the driver moved the throttle to idle and the automatic brake control handle to the emergency position. The driver recounted they initially felt the locomotive dip, before commencing a pitching motion and rolling onto its side. Locomotive 2811 travelled about 56 m between the time the driver made an emergency brake application and coming to a stop resting on its side in the floodwater (Figure 4).

At about 0319, the driver radioed the NCO to report the train had derailed and the lead locomotive 2811 had come to rest on its side in the floodwaters. The driver reported they were ‘alright’ but ‘a bit shaken up’ and that there would be a ‘fair sort of a mess’ at the site.
The driver could not see anything to identify the kilometre location of the train apart from a 60 km speed board located on the trackside ahead. Network control centre staff established, in discussion with the driver, the derailment location was ‘on the straight’ just prior to Traveston Station. The status of the overhead traction supply was unknown and network control staff instructed the driver to remain in the locomotive cab until receipt of further advice.

Events post derailment of Y279:
The network control centre staff initiated emergency response procedures, contacting the emergency services and QR staff. The NCO made regular radio contact with the driver, checking their welfare and updating them on the status of emergency services and the isolation of the overhead traction system.
At about 0407, the driver reported to the NCO that they had sighted flashing lights from emergency services vehicles. At about 0505, the driver reported the train radio had failed and they were now using a handheld radio. The driver also reported that floodwaters in the locomotive cab were rising slowly. At about 0552, network control radioed the driver to advise the overhead supply was isolated and they could exit the cab.
At 0618, emergency services reached the locomotive and assisted the driver to climb out of the cab onto the side of the locomotive. Floodwaters hindered arrangements for the driver to access ambulance services for a medical assessment until about 0755.

Very sad news out of the Darling Downs tonight.

~ Severe Thunderstorm Warning ~

for DAMAGING WINDS and LARGE HAILSTONES
For people in parts of Gympie and Noosa Council Areas.

Issued at 3:57 pm Thursday, 8 December 2022.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:50 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near the area south of Gympie and Amamoor. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect the area northwest of Noosa Heads, the area southeast of Gympie and Pomona by 4:20 pm and waters off Noosa Heads and the area north of Noosa Heads by 4:50 pm.

Damaging winds and large hailstones are likely.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

The next warning is due to be issued by 5:00 pm.

⚡️ Sunshine Coast Storm ⚡️

A massive storm has just hit the Sunshine Coast with no warning from BOM. At the moment there is no majorly reported damage, but there are approximately 20,000 homes & business without power on the coast.

Pomona Night of Lights
Thursday 15th December

~ Fire Weather Warning ~

for the Southeast Coast fire weather district
Issued at 4:25 pm EST on Tuesday 15 November 2022.

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises you to:
Refer to your Bushfire Survival Plan now.
Monitor the fire and weather situation through your local radio station, www.qfes.qld.gov.au/current-incidents and www.bom.gov.au.
Call 000 (Triple Zero) in an emergency.

For Wednesday 16 November: Extreme Fire Danger is forecast for the following fire weather

District:
* Southeast Coast

Weather Situation:

A strong high moving across the Great Australian Bight extends a ridge through southern Queensland. The combination of the high and low in the Tasman Sea will direct dry and gusty airflow across the southeast during Wednesday. Conditions will be Sunny, with west to southwesterly winds reaching 25 to 35 km/h mostly in the late morning, slightly lighter in the afternoon. Daytime temperatures reaching 30 degrees.

For information on preparing for bushfires go to www.qfes.qld.gov.au.

Home Page | Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Hazard Reduction Burns Noticing smoke? Find the hazard reduction burns happening in your area. Read More SES Assistance Need emergency help during or after a flood or storm? Find out more about when to call 132 500. Read More If It’s Flooded, Forget It Don’t get carried away. When faced with flo...

We are excited to share our Pomona in the Park Poster! It’s going to be awesome!

Head to https://rafflelink.com.au/pomonainthepark2022 to get your lucky tickets and don’t forget to share with your friends & family!

There are some amazing prizes to be won which are listed on the poster! As this is our major fundraiser feel free to share it! See you there!

🌊WORLD TSUNAMI DAY 🌊

As Queenslanders, most people are aware of the risks associated with a visit to the beach – you could come across a hazardous rip, or a dangerous creature. But what about the threat of a tsunami on our shores? What are the warning signs, and how much time would you have to prepare?

Today is World Tsunami Awareness Day, which gives us the opportunity to reflect on past experiences and how to prepare for future events. In January this year, the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption triggered a Marine Warning for the east coast of Australia. While this event didn’t result in a Land Warning, it’s a reminder that a tsunami can happen at any time.

Want to know how to prepare for a Tsunami? The QFES website has some great information, including a Tsunami Evacuation Map (link in comments 👇)

Signup for Noosa Alert on the Disaster Dashboard.

Get Ready

⚡️ Energex ⚡️

Lake Macdonald residents have been assured that rumours of days without power are false.

This afternoon, Steph our Business Manager was not far from this tree in front of the Library when it was hit by lightning. Saying Steph got a fright is an understatement. We are so pleased everyone is safe! Thank you Steph for the photo. 😮

⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Warning ⚠️

for DAMAGING WINDS and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in Noosa and parts of Gympie and Sunshine Coast Council Areas.

Issued at 5:36 pm Thursday, 27 October 2022.

Severe thunderstorms detected around Gympie and Pomona.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:35 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Gympie, Pomona and the area southwest of Noosa Heads. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Noosa Heads, the area east of Gympie and the area northeast of Gympie by 6:05 pm and Rainbow Beach, Wide Bay and Inskip by 6:35 pm.

Damaging winds and large hailstones are likely.

4cm hail stones were recorded over the Gold Coast hinterland.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Warning ⚠️

for DAMAGING WINDS and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in Noosa and parts of Gympie and Sunshine Coast Council Areas.

Issued at 5:17 pm Thursday, 27 October 2022.

Cyclic supercell has now moved off the coast while cells continue to develop north of Maroochydore.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:10 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near the area southwest of Gympie, the ranges between Gympie and Murgon and Kenilworth. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect the area south of Gympie, Pomona and Cooroy by 5:25 pm and Noosa Heads, Gympie and the area east of Gympie by 5:40 pm.

Damaging winds and large hailstones are likely.

4cm hail stones were recorded over the Gold Coast hinterland.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Warning ⚠️

for DESTRUCTIVE WINDS and GIANT HAILSTONES

For people in parts of Gympie, Somerset, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Noosa Council Areas.

Issued at 5:00 pm Thursday, 27 October 2022.

Cyclic supercell remains over the southern border ranges.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:00 pm, very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Coolangatta and Tallebudgera. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. Very dangerous thunderstorms are forecast to affect waters off Tweed Heads by 5:15 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Borumba Dam and the Amamoor Range northwest of Kenilworth. They are forecast to affect Kenilworth and Imbil by 5:15 pm and the area southwest of Noosa Heads, Eumundi and Cooroy by 5:30 pm.

Damaging, locally destructive winds and large, possibly giant hailstones are likely.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Warning ⚠️

for DAMAGING WINDS, LARGE HAILSTONES and HEAVY RAINFALL

For people in parts of Gympie, Somerset, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Scenic Rim Council Areas.

Issued at 4:43 pm Thursday, 27 October 2022.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 4:40 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Springbrook and the area northwest of Jimna. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Borumba Dam by 4:55 pm and Kenilworth, Imbil and the area northwest of Mapleton by 5:10 pm.

Damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding are likely.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it's flooded, forget it.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

Bruce Highway, Closed, Southbound, just North of Bli Bli Road. Large traffic bank up. No serious injuries. Avoid this area.
Update - Highway is open.

❗ATTENTION QUEENSLANDERS ❗

Our friends at the Bureau of Meteorology have advised that HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to affect parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett, and Southeast Coast forecast districts from later this evening. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible during this period, with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 200 mm.

Heavy rainfall is expected to increase during the evening and overnight period over the Southeast Coast. Locations which may be affected include Gold Coast, Brisbane, Maroochydore, Gympie, Caboolture, Coolangatta and Ipswich. Now will be the last chance you have to prepare your house.

Our dedicated crews are here to help, so please do what you can to help them by staying out of floodwater and stay tuned to the latest weather warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology. Stay safe!

Remember to keep the SES assistance number handy (☎️ 132 500), download the SES Assistance QLD app and keep up to date with warnings as they come in, like this one (refer to pic).
💻Check the BOM, QLD Alert and local council websites
📱Monitor the BOM and QFES social media channels
📺Tune into your local TV and radio stations

This is a Flood Advice from the Noosa LDMG.

The Noosa Local Government area may be affected by heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding in 36-48 hours. Totals of up to 200mm is possible. Warn neighbours and secure belongings, stay off the road if possible.

More info: local radio or https://disaster.noosa.qld.gov.au.

Flood Assist:
SES 132 500.
Life Threatening: 000.

Dashboard

⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Warning ⚠️

for INTENSE RAINFALL

For people in parts of Gympie and Noosa Council Areas.

Issued at 4:52 pm Friday, 21 October 2022.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 4:50 pm, very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Rainbow Beach and Inskip. These thunderstorms are moving towards the south to southeast. Very dangerous thunderstorms are forecast to affect Wide Bay and Inskip Point by 5:20 pm and Double Is Point by 5:50 pm.

Intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is likely.

Coops Corner has recorded 166mm in 3hrs to 2pm.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it's flooded, forget it.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

The next warning is due to be issued by 5:55 pm.