Flooding will continue in parts of northeast NSW and southeast Qld today after some places received more than half a metre of rain over the last 48 hours.

A slow-moving low pressure trough being fed by a persistent stream of moisture-laden air has caused torrential rain in northeast NSW and southeast Qld over the last couple of days.

Rainfall totals during this two-day deluge have exceeded 300 mm in 24 hours and 500 mm in 48 hours. Four rain gauges registered more than half a metre of rain during the 48 hours ending at 9am local time on Tuesday, including:

• 568 mm at Upper Springbrook (Qld)
• 533 mm at Numinbah (NSW)
• 532 mm at Blad Mountain (NSW)
• 508 mm at Currumbin Creek (Qld)

Image: Swollen Coomera River flowing through southeast Qld on January 1, 2024. Source: AAP / Dave Hunt

This intense rainfall has caused minor to moderate riverine flooding as well as localised flash flooding, with the NSW State Emergency Service performing 27 flood rescues on Monday.

As of 10am AEST on Tuesday, a severe weather warning was in place for heavy rain and flash flooding along Qld’s southeast and adjacent inland. Flood warnings and flood watches were also in place for parts of northeast NSW and southeast Qld.

Image: Flooding on the Gold Coast on January 1, 2024. Source: AAP / Dave Hunt

Forecast models suggest that the heaviest rain and storms will focus on the Sunshine Coast region and possibly southern parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett District on Tuesday. Most models also show rainfall easing on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, however there is a chance of localised heavy rain and storms sticking around on Wednesday.

Image: Forecast accumulated rain during the 24 hours ending at 4am AEST on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, according to the ACCESS-C model.

This week’s rain and flooding comes a week after severe thunderstorms battered large areas of eastern Australia over Christmas.

Anyone located in southeast Qld or northeast NSW should stay up to date with the latest weather and flood warnings for the most accurate information. Always avoid entering or driving through floodwaters.