Motorists are urged to take extra precautions over the coming days as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches the mainland.
The Queensland Police Service is encouraging road uses to drive to local conditions with heavy rain and potential flooding expected across southeast Queensland.
Queensland Police stated that for the Wide Bay Burnett region, the main concern will be rainfall and the associated flooding.
QPS Road Policing and Regional Support Command Acting Chief Superintendent, Garrath Channells reminded motorists that weather can change quickly.
“What starts as a managable drive can turn dangerous in an instant,” Acting Chief Superintendent Channells said.
“Wet roads, poor visibility and flooding can make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
“Slow down, increase your stopping distance, turn your headlights on and never attempt to drive through flood water.”
Acting Chief Superintendent Channells said that even 15 centimetres of water has been proven to be enough to sweep a vehicle away.
“Your car is designed to protect you on the road, but once you enter floodwater, it becomes a completely different story – doors can jam, electrics can fail, and newer vehicles, which are often more buoyant, can float or be swept into fast-moving currents,” he said.
The QPS are urging drivers to check road conditions along their route and at their destination before travelling and to never take unnecessary risks when facing floodwater.
“No matter how familiar a road may seem, if it’s flooded, forget it,” Acting Chief Superintendent Channells said.
“Floodwaters can hide strong currents, washed-away sections, and other hazards.”
Important things to remember during a natural disaster:
– Follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency services.
– Tune into warnings, remembering that phone and internet services may go down so know your local radio station.
– Locate your severe weather plan and emergency kit and evacuation kit if evacuation is a possibility.
– If you can, put fuel in your vehicle and park it in a sheltered and/or elevated location in case you need to evacuate.
– Check in with family, friends and neighbours.
-For the latest up-to-date road conditions and closures police ask road users to visit qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ , download the QLDTraffic app, or to call 13 19 40.
– For local updates visit your respective council disaster management dashboard:
SOUTH BURNETT: dashboard.southburnett.qld.gov.au/
NORTH BURNETT: emergency.northburnett.qld.gov.au/
Burnett residents are being reminded to stay alert with the weather over the coming days. Read more here:
