Severe storms could dump up to 300 millimetres of rain on Queensland and lead to flooding across the state.

Brisbane and the state’s south-east were expected to be battered by severe thunderstorms on Sunday evening, prompting a flash flooding warning from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).

Meanwhile, heavy rain was predicted to hit the parched north-western interior overnight and into Monday.

The weather bureau warned of six-hour rain totals in excess of 90mm, and isolated falls of up to 300mm over 24 hours to parts of the interior.

River levels are expected to continue rising over a number of days.

A slow-moving low pressure system that caused flooding in Townsville last week is to blame, as it heads north.

Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said specially-trained Fire and Emergency Services personnel had been deployed to the state’s north-west to cope with flooding.

“Certainly, this rain is welcome and while there has been no major impact at this stage, plans and personnel are in place to support local communities if required,” Mr Crawford said in a statement on Saturday.

He reminded residents not to drive through floodwaters, to avoid travel and plan ahead.

“As always, it is important for people in that area to be vigilant and stay away from flood water. If you’re driving through the affected areas, be alert for the potential for roads to be flooded and as always remember: if it’s flooded, forget it,” he said.

Flooded streets in Giru, south of Townsville. Photo: Facebook/ Sheree Batters

“If you do have to travel, let people know where you’re going and pack accordingly because there is potential for you to become isolated.

“Take enough supplies to last several days, including items such as water, food and changes of clothes.”

Parts of the region that have been drought stricken for years welcomed the heavy rainfall over the last week.

Longreach Shire Mayor Ed Warren said the dam in the town of Ilfracombe was “bone dry” until rain came over the weekend.

“When I came here and looked over the wall just after 7 o’clock I got very emotional,” he told the ABC on Sunday.

Townsville received its most significant rainfall in four years last week. More than 350mm fell on the region last Wednesday and Thursday.

Roads to the nearby town Giru were cut as the Haughton River reached a record peak of 3.1 metres.

More than 500mm was dumped in some areas, and the Ross River Dam went from 14.5 per cent capacity on Monday to 80 per cent in a few days.

Bluewater received 700mm of rainfall over seven days.

For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. In life threatening emergencies call Triple-0.

-with AAP and ABC