Destructive winds and heavy rainfall is currently on a direct path to Redlands, with the heaviest rainfall expected between 6pm and 9pm this evening and winds expected to continue until early tomorrow morning.
Redland City Mayor and Chair of the Redland Local Disaster Management Group Karen Williams said there was an increased risk to North Stradbroke Island, the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and Coochiemudlo Island as the storm moved across the coastline this evening.
“These islands may become isolated and suffer power outages as the storm intensifies as it crosses the coast,” she said.
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Centres for stranded island residents
Cr Williams said Southern Moreton Bay island and Coochiemudlo Island residents unable to return home from the mainland due to limited ferry services, should go to Redland Bay Community Hall, Weinam Street, Redland Bay.
“North Stradbroke residents should go to Redland Performing Arts Centre, 2-16 Middle Street, Cleveland,” she said.
“The Local Disaster Management Group has been stood up to manage emergency operations with police, SES and Energex staff on our islands in anticipation of the increasing storm intensity.
“The message for all residents is not to be complacent and be prepared by securing loose items, looking out for each other, avoiding driving, reducing speed and never going through flooded roads.”
Rainfall totals of 200mm remain likely over the next 24 hours, with the possibility of isolated falls exceeding 400mm and accompanying strong winds over 100km across the South East .
There is potential for flash flooding on Redlands roads so please drive carefully and heed all warnings. Remember … if it is flooded, forget it!
Avalon Road, Sheldon is currently closed as at 2pm.
The following roads are affected by water:
- Moores Road, Redland Bay
- Pitt Road, Birkdale
- Rickertt Road, Thorneside
There is limited access on Korawal Street, Capalaba, due to a large tree down.
Don’t risk your life to cross flooded areas on foot or in a vehicle irrespective of its size and remind children to stay away from floodwaters.
Self-service sandbag stations
Self-service sandbagging stations are open until 6pm in the Redlands ahead of expected heavy rain and damaging winds today and tomorrow (Friday).
Self-service sandbag stations are located at:
Cleveland
- Cleveland Showgrounds (Norm Price Park), Long Street, Cleveland. Council staff will be onsite to assist
- North Stradbroke Island outside the depot compound on Mitchell Road, Dunwich
- Macleay Island outside the depot compound on High Central Road
- Russell Island Davidson Road Gravel Pit
Please note: enclosed shoes must be worn at all sandbag stations.
Transport update
Free travel is now available on TransLink services for buses, trains and ferries.
Non-essential travel should be avoided.
Ferries
Vehicle ferry services to North Stradbroke Island are limited. The last vehicle ferry from Cleveland departed at midday. The last vehicle ferry from Straddie to the mainland departed at 1pm.
Passenger ferries to North Stradbroke Island are running on a limited service.
For the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, vehicle and passenger ferries are currently running on a limited service.
The last vehicle service departing from Redland Bay to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands will be at 3.30pm. The last vehicle service departing from Russell Island will be 4.45pm. There are limited spaces available, so recommend changing travel plans if travel is not essential.
Ferries to Coochiemudlo Island are running on a limited service. Due to extreme weather conditions for this afternoon the passenger ferry service will cease operation from 5.45pm departing Coochie and 6.00pm departing Victoria Point today.
The vehicular barge is currently still operating and at this stage the last barge to Coochie remains at 2.20pm.
Power Update
Energex Crews on standby and based on previous storms power outages expected across SE Queensland, including the Bay islands
Stay away from fallen power lines and alert people to any danger
Report fallen power lines on 13 19 62
If you experience blackout
- turn off and unplug electrical items
- use a torch for light if you’ve lost power and avoid using
- never use wet or damp electrical items.
- listen to local ABC radio or Bay FM 3 for updates
- Follow Energex on Facebook and Twitter or check the power outages page for the latest restoration
If you have a medical condition and are reliant on powered medical devices you should seek assistance from family or friends to get to a medical facility or contact emergency services. Please call 000 only for a life threatening emergency.
Council closures
Due to the seriousness of the forecast for this afternoon,
- Council has closed for general services
- Council Libraries are closed
- Recycleworld at Redland Bay is closed.
- Waste transfer stations are closed
- Council’s Call Centre will continue to operate
- All essential services, however, will continue to operate and some staff will remain to take residents calls.
Beach closures
All SE Queensland beaches are closed, including patrolled beaches Cylinder and Main beaches on North Stradbroke Island. Do not enter hazardous surf.
Bin collections
JJ Richards are currently continuing as per normal with both their mainland and island bin collection services.
The Island services (Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra) are dependent on the barges and the decision to cancel a barge will be up to the skipper.
If any barges are cancelled collections will cease and an alternative collection day will be arranged for Friday or Monday next week.
Mainland services will continue as normal, however the drivers are running behind schedule.
If winds pick up to high speeds, it is suggested that residents move their bin is moved to a safe, secure area.
Assistance
In emergency situations always call 000.
*Use the SES 132500 number for immediate response calls and the 000 for emergency situations.
Stay updated
Tune in to 612ABC and Bay FM for the latest advice and keep an eye on Council’s website for the latest updates or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Go to the Redland Disaster Management site and check critical information for your preparation and preparedness.
