'Smashed to pieces': Queensland region hit by more flooding

A brief but brutal downpour last night sparked a third flooding emergency in Queensland's South Burnett region in as many weeks.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said recent days of rain have left the region's catchments saturated.

"Catchments are very saturated, and responding very quickly to even just moderate rainfall," meteorologist Felim Hanniffy said.

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There were localised falls of 60mm to 80mm of rain recorded yesterday afternoon.

One property recorded 108mm in just 45 minutes.

Homes were surrounded and more than 40 roads were left underwater.

South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff said the damage was extensive.

"They're smashed to pieces, we've got culverts damaged, we've got waterways where we're not sure because we haven't been able to see what's beneath the flooding," she said.

Controlled releases of water started at Somerset and Wivenhoe dams this afternoon. 

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An emergency alert remains in place for the Western Downs tonight with Jandowae Dam at moderate flood level. 

"Certainly, it's very drenched out there," Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said.

"There would be a worry that too much rain in one hit ... could lead to more flooding."

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