Weatherwatch meteorologist Anthony Cornelius said it was a weather system that virtually nobody wants.

“Unfortunately, even for southeast Queensland, I think it’s not if it will flood, but what extent the flooding will be,” Cornelius said.

“I’m hoping that most of the heaviest rain will be further north, but even 100 to 200 mm over the period of four to five days in the state the catchments are in is likely to bring fairly extensive minor to moderate flooding.”

He said the heaviest falls would be along the coast on Wednesday and Thursday.

“The Sunshine Coast has already seen falls of nearly 200mm in the last 24 hours and this is going to be one of the wetter areas this week,” he said.

Western Queensland already has flood warnings. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a major flood warning for the Cooper Creek, a moderate flood warning for the Thomson River and minor flood warning for the Barcoo River.

BoM has also issued a severe weather warning issued for the central west and north west, including Longreach, Winton and Richmond.

Heavy rainfall was expected to develop overnight, leading to flash and riverine flooding. Widespread impacts to transport were anticipated.

Some parts of Queensland were expected to receive up to 400mm over the next few days, a potential record for this time of year.

Sky News meteorologist Rob Sharpe has predicted “life threatening” rain.

“Some of the worst flooding is going to be in the outback parts of Queensland, but even closer to the coastline we could see some torrential rain at times with life-threatening flash flooding with this event,” he said.

A strong wind warning is also in place for the southeast coast.

Disaster assistance is now available in 10 Local Government Areas after intense rainfall resulted in widespread flooding throughout much of northern and central-west Queensland in April.

The assistance, provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), covers clean up and repair of roads and other public infrastructure damaged by the severe rain and wind event from 21 to 28 April.

DRFA relief measures have been activated for: Barcaldine Regional Council, Barcoo Regional Council, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, Boulia Shire Council, Burdekin Shire Council, Cook Shire Council, Longreach Regional Council, Mornington Shire Council, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council and Winton Shire Council.

Flood Warning for the Diamantina River

Final Flood Warning for the Bremer River and Warrill Creek

Final Flood Warning for the Logan River and Teviot Brook

River levels are generally easing along the Bremer River and Warrill Creek and are likely to continue easing through Monday. Further rainfall is forecast for the next few days, which may lead to further river level rises. The situation will be monitored closely and further warnings will be issued if required.

Bremer River and Warrill Creek:

River levels are easing along the Bremer River and Warrill Creek.

The Bremer River at Rosewood is currently at 3.04 metres (below minor) and falling. The Bremer River at Rosewood is likely to remain below the minor flood level (4.00 m).

River level observations are not available at Five Mile Bridge but the river level is expected to be below the minor flood level and falling on Monday morning. The Bremer River at Five Mile Bridge is likely to remain below the minor flood level (3.50 m).

The Warrill Creek at Amberley is currently at 3.28 metres (below minor) and falling. The Warrill Creek at Amberley is likely to remain below the minor flood level (4.00 m).