Heavy rainfall exceeding 200mm battered the Gold Coast on February 13, triggering widespread flash flooding, road closures, and emergency warnings across southeast Queensland. As of February 14 morning, warnings persist amid ongoing showers, with authorities urging residents to avoid floodwaters and monitor updates.​
Current Situation Overview
A severe low-pressure system dumped intense rain overnight, causing causeways to overflow and low-lying areas to inundate. Springbrook and Numinbah recorded nearly 300mm, while coastal suburbs like Currumbin and Burleigh saw rapid flash floods.​​
Rescue operations saved motorists from submerged vehicles. Power outages affected thousands, and schools closed in hardest-hit zones. The Bureau of Meteorology maintains flash flood warnings into today.
Rainfall Breakdown
February 13 saw record falls: Gold Coast Seaway 220mm in hours, Tallebudgera Valley 280mm, Nerang backwaters 290mm. This surpasses monthly averages, with totals now over 160mm for February.​​
February 14 forecast predicts patchy rain totaling 5mm, easing from yesterday’s 54mm. Southeasterly winds 15-25 knots add to coastal risks.
| Location | 24hr Rainfall (Feb 13) | Monthly Total |
|---|---|---|
| Springbrook | 295mm | 350mm |
| Numinbah | 285mm | 340mm |
| Currumbin | 210mm | 260mm |
| Burleigh Heads | 205mm | 255mm |
| Gold Coast Seaway | 220mm | 270mm |
Active Road Closures
Flash flooding closed multiple roads, especially in Mudgeeraba, Tallebudgera Valley, and Worongary. QLD Traffic reports over a dozen closures as of 2:39 AM Feb 14.​
Key closures include Berrigans Road (full closure between Gold Coast Springbrook Rd and Mark Way), Gunsynd Drive (between Todman Dr and Appaloosa Ct), and Mount Cougal Road (end section). Hardys Road and Highfield Drive remain shut due to long-term flooding.​
| Road Name | Suburb/Area | Reason | Status Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berrigans Road | Mudgeeraba | Flash flooding | Closed 2:39 AM |
| Gunsynd Drive | Mudgeeraba | Flash flooding | Closed 2:39 AM |
| Hardys Road | Bonogin/Mudgeeraba | Long-term flooding | Closed 12:43 AM |
| Highfield Drive | Merrimac/Robina | Long-term flooding | Closed 12:43 AM |
| Mount Cougal Road | Tallebudgera Valley | Flash flooding | Closed 2:39 AM |
| Old Coach Road | Reedy Creek | Flash flooding | Closed 2:39 AM |
| Somerset Drive | Mudgeeraba | Flash flooding | Closed to through traffic 2:39 AM |
| Vince Hinde Drive | Worongary | Long-term flooding | Closed 12:42 AM |
Official Warnings Issued
City of Gold Coast issued “Monitor Conditions” alerts for flash flooding. BOM’s Severe Weather Update warns of heavy rain persisting 24-36 hours, with thunderstorms possible.​​
Emergency alerts targeted Tallebudgera and Currumbin at 12:15 PM Feb 13, advising higher ground. Flood Watch covers southeast Queensland and Wide Bay-Burnett.
Forecast and Timeline
Feb 14: Patchy rain, 23°C max/22°C min, 4.7mm expected. Risk of isolated flash floods remains.​
Feb 15-16: Heavier rain forecast (41mm Feb 15, 27mm Feb 16), potential renewed flooding. Southeasterly swells 1-2m impact beaches.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
Homes in Currumbin Waters and Burleigh inundated; sandbagging stations opened. Power outages hit 5,000 properties, mainly hinterland.
Schools like Merrimac State High closed; public transport delayed. Evacuation centers prepared at Nerang and Robina.​
Emergency Response Efforts
QLD Fire and Rescue conducted 20+ vehicle rescues. SES distributed sandbags; drones assessed damage. No fatalities reported, but several injuries from slips.​
Volunteers cleared debris; TMR monitored state roads. Premier called for caution amid La Niña influences.​
Historical Context
This event echoes 2017 floods (300mm+ falls). February typically wettest month, averaging 160mm over 20 days. Climate trends amplify intensity.​
Safety Advice and Precautions
Avoid floodwaters: “If it’s flooded, it’s flooded.” Never drive through; turn around. Check QLD Traffic app, BOM warnings.​
Secure property, charge devices, have go-bags ready. Report hazards via SES hotline.
Economic and Environmental Fallout
Tourism dips with beach closures; hinterland trails shut. Rivers like Tallebudgera Creek swelled, boosting water supplies but risking spills.​
Agriculture in Scenic Rim affected; insurance claims expected to top millions.
Community Stories
Locals shared videos of raging creeks in Mudgeeraba. A Currumbin family rescued from home; heroes praised. Social media floods with tips.​
Government and Council Actions
Gold Coast City monitors 24/7; free sandbags at depots. TMR prioritizes arterial routes. Federal aid flagged if damages exceed thresholds.
Looking Ahead
Rain eases post-Feb 16, sunnier spells by Feb 18. Recovery focuses on drainage clears, road repairs. Residents urged vigilance.
Emma Brooks is a contributing writer at richlittleragdolls.co.nz, covering news, community updates, and trending stories across New Zealand and Australia. Her work focuses on delivering clear, accurate, and reader-friendly reporting that helps audiences stay informed about regional and national developments.
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