floodwater

Dramatic footage circulating on social media shows a large surge of floodwater flowing rapidly under a bridge, leaving cars stranded on flooded roads.

Roads and bridges were destroyed and footage shows cars piled up after being swept up by the floodwater.

Thousands of people living in the city of Townsville were told to leave their homes by midday on Sunday while authorities brought in 100,000 sandbags to block floodwater.

"Please look out for your neighbours, don't drive through floodwater, and always call 999 if you believe there is serious risk to life due to flooding," he said.

If you are trapped by floodwater, you should go to the highest level of the building you are in.