Queensland’s south east is on a severe weather alert. The State could be lashed by similar conditions to a killer storm in May last year. A low pressure trough is intensifying. It’s expected to bring heavy rain and damaging winds by tomorrow morning. Residents in flood prone suburbs have been told to prepare for flash flooding.

Emily Halverson reports.

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Coastal areas are expected to be hit the hardest when the super storm arrives.

Phil King, Bureau of Meteorology: “There’s quite a severe pressure system developing over south east Queensland, north east NSW over the next 24 hours.”

Around 250 millimeters of rainfall is expected in coastal areas, as well as wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour.

Authorities are warning people to stay out of the water, with a predicted king tide and large swells.

Also, any unnecessary road travel and outdoor activities should be postponed.

Graham Quirk, Brisbane Lord Mayor: “It’s better to be safe than sorry with weather and particularly bad weather conditions.”

SES crews are on stand-by and 40,000 free sandbags are available at depots in Darra, Morningside, Newmarket and Zillmere.

Dr Steven Miles, Qld Environment Minister: “The most important thing is for people to get prepared now and to stay safe when the event hits.”

Drivers are reminded: If it’s flooded, forget it.

And the RSPCA is advising people to keep their animals in safe and secure environments when leaving them at home alone.

Emily Halverson, QUT News.