Torrential rain that could threaten lives is falling across southeast Queensland, with a swathe of the state's west also braced for flash flooding.
On the Gold Coast, where rivers have become heaving expanses of white water, police are rushing to evacuate residents from two adjacent streets after major landslips there.
Some theme parks, including Dreamworld, have closed as the weather worsens, with the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast on high alert, along with Channel Country communities as far west as Birdsville.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has urged Queenslanders to get home safely and stay there, with the worst of the weather not expected until later on Monday evening.
"We are in for a severe weather event. If you do not need to be on the roads, please don't. We have already heard reports of some land slips that are occurring, especially in the Gold Coast hinterland."
Police are helping people leave their homes in Crest Hill Drive and the adjacent Lanes Road at Wongawallan. It's unclear how many households will need to leave.
Officers say the situation is still unfolding, but the foundations of at least one home have been severely eroded, leaving it perched precariously on a hillside. Fences have also toppled over.
Some low-lying homes have also been inundated on the Gold Coast, but it's not clear how many, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said. They include properties at Tallai and nearby Carrara.
The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting six-hour rainfall totals of 150mm in the southeast corner, and that may be compounded by storm activity that could push totals well beyond that.
"The situation is likely to pose a serious risk to already affected and flooded areas. In some areas, the situation may become life-threatening," it has warned.
Dangerous conditions are expected to continue into Tuesday.
Inland communities are also braced for potential flash flooding with six-hourly rainfall totals of 50-70mm likely. At-risk communities include Warwick, Toowoomba, Dalby, Roma, Charleville, Birdsville, Emerald, Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi.
A flood watch is also current for southern parts of western and central Queensland and the Darling Downs.
The State Emergency Service has received hundreds of calls for help since the rain set in over the weekend, and crews have been forced to stage at least six swift water rescues, four involving people trapped in cars.
One man was plucked from a tree in the southeast after having to abandon his car in floodwaters.
"There's been inundation to homes, roof damage, trees down. Some of those calls involved multiple problems - water through the roof, coming up through the floor," SES Queensland state co-ordinator Brian Cox has told AAP.
"We're nervous because there's more severe weather predicted, and with the landscape already saturated it means we're twice as likely to see more flash flooding."
Parts of the Gold Coast recorded falls in excess of 200mm to 9am on Monday, including 263mm at North Tambourine, in the Gold Coast hinterland.
Brisbane city and surrounding suburbs also saw widespread falls of 100mm. Beachmere, north of Brisbane, recorded 208mm.
Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan urged people in the southeast corner and the west to prepare now, and echoed the premier's warning for people to exercise extreme caution on the roads.
"Flash flooding is a potential risk to anyone on the roads tonight, so people need to be prepared. Also think about this - there is the unknown in the dark. You won't be able to see floodwaters across the road."
