Queensland braces for flooding as strong winds batter coast

Queensland is bracing for flooding as strong wind warnings and flood watches remain in place across large parts of the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued strong wind warnings for extensive stretches of the Queensland coast and gulf waters over the weekend.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Queensland braces for severe flooding across multiple regions.

Warnings are in place on Saturday for parts of the South East Gulf of Carpentaria, North East Gulf of Carpentaria, Capricornia Coast and K’gari Coast, before expanding on Sunday to include the Townsville Coast, Mackay Coast, Sunshine Coast Waters, Moreton Bay and Gold Coast Waters.

Hazardous conditions are expected for marine activity.

Inland, flooding concerns are growing along the Diamantina River, where river levels at Diamantina Lakes are above the Springvale-Diamantina Lakes Causeway and are expected to remain elevated for several days.

The BOM said rainfall over recent days has caused minor flooding in the area, with further rain forecast across the upper catchment likely to trigger additional river rises.

A Flood Watch remains current for parts of north-western Queensland and the north-east tropical coast, including the Diamantina catchment, with conditions being closely monitored.

Meanwhile, campers on the Gold Coast are counting the cost after powerful winds tore through a caravan park at Southport.

Margaux Parker, a broadcaster with Triple M who was at the scene, told Sunrise she was unable to return to her caravan after evacuating, as emergency crews assessed the damage and safety risks.

Vision from the scene shows barbecues and other loose items being lifted and hurled into nearby cars and caravans.

Parker said the weather turned suddenly, catching the family on holiday off guard and forcing them to act quickly as conditions deteriorated.

“We have been holidaying at the Gold Coast for 22 years in that very spot, and we’ve had storms before and we were prepared it was coming, but I don’t think anyone was quite prepared for that,” she said.

“It was really short and sharp and it came in fast and furious.”

Amid Christmas celebrations, Parker said they were forced to act quickly, rushing all the children inside caravans.

Parker said the priority was getting the children inside, while adults tried to secure awnings and gazebos as the winds intensified.

Residents and holidaymakers are being urged to remain vigilant, secure loose items and stay across warnings as authorities continue to monitor conditions, particularly in flood-prone areas further north.