Heavy rainfall and dangerous flooding have struck the Lockyer Valley, with significant weather events prompting emergency alerts for residents. An emergency warning was issued by the Lockyer Valley Regional Council at 07:29 am on Monday, March 10, urging residents to take shelter as the rain continues to pour.
Authorities advised locals to secure their belongings and remain off the roads, stressing the potential dangers associated with the current flooding conditions. "Take safe shelter now as dangerous flooding is occurring in the Lockyer Valley area in the coming hours," the council warned, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Throughout the day, the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred have become increasingly evident, causing widespread concerns among residents, particularly in the towns of Laidley and Grantham. The Queensland Premier, David Crisafulli, stated, "A very serious storm cell is moving in... door knocks occurred overnight in areas like Laidley and Grantham." He emphasized this area is now central to their response efforts.
By noon, officials reported major flooding along Laidley Creek and moderate flooding risks along Lockyer Creek. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) indicated, "The Laidley Creek would remain above 7m for the day... with possible rises reaching the 2011 level of 8.85m." This warning reflects the severity and unforeseen nature of the current weather challenges.
Reports have indicated Laidley’s main street, Patrick Street, is already partially inundated, with water levels rising alarmingly. A severe thunderstorm warning for the greater Lockyer Valley area was issued and has since been lifted, yet the dangers remain tangible as the region continues to grapple with heavy rainfalls and their repercussions.
Residents have been urged to evacuate to higher ground, with local emergency services advising, "Do not wait for any more direction to relocate." Shelters have been set up at Laidley State High School and Gatton Shire Hall, providing safe havens for those impacted by the flooding. Local authorities are actively doorknocking to alert residents and facilitate their safe relocation.
The Lockyer Valley Regional Council and SES have launched efforts to reach out and assist those affected, emphasizing, "Warn neighbors, secure belongings, and take safe shelter" if at all possible. Continued rainfall through the day is set to exacerbate the flooding, feeding rivers and creeks threatening to overflow.
Adding to the challenges, more than 100 roads across Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley, and the Southern Downs have been cut off, including major highways, compounding the difficulties faced by emergency services. Schools across the Lockyer Valley will be closed on March 11, following severe weather warnings and flooding concerns.
From early morning onwards, the rainfall had exceeded 100 mm throughout certain parts of the region, causing authorities to step up their responses as water levels rose rapidly. Beyond safety concerns, power outages affecting nearly 25,000 homes due to winds reaching 100 km/h have complicated the community’s access to emergency resources and aid.
"We are facing what could be worse than what we experienced back during the 2022 floods, with predictions indicating significant future flooding risks," expressed the acting mayor of Lockyer Valley, underscoring the importance of community vigilance and preparedness.
The region's residents are encouraged to remain alert, adhere to local advice, and keep track of up-to-date warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology via their official platforms. For flood assistance, individuals are advised to contact the SES at 132 500.
Lockyer Valley's battle against these intense weather conditions demonstrates the need for preparedness and community solidarity during natural disasters. Authorities continue to monitor the conditions closely, aiming to keep residents safe and informed throughout this challenging event.