Brisbane hunkers down as foul weather approaches

As a devastating low that has the potential to turn into a cyclone nears the Queensland coast and residents prepare for a weekend of torrential rain, several sites in Brisbane will be stockpiled with sandbags for people to protect their properties.

Five sites throughout the city will have sandbags available around the clock.

WHERE TO FIND THEM

• Newmarket SES Field Services Group, Wilston Road, Newmarket (in car park off Erneton Street)

• Balmoral Field Services Group, Redfern Street, Balmoral

• Darra Field Services Group, Shamrock Road, Darra

• Zillmere Field Services Group, Jennings Street, Zillmere

• Lota Field Services Group, Herbert Street, Lota

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the council had purchased new machines, one of which was capable of pumping out 1200 sandbags in an hour.

"The sandbaggers will save us vital time during disaster situations, providing a quicker response to community need," he said.

Brisbane and the Gold Coast could receive a month's worth of rain in several days this weekend, as category one storm Cyclone Marcia hits the coast further north.