Queensland hit by severe storms, flash flooding

Queensland has been hit by severe thunderstorms and heavy rain, causing flash flooding across parts of the state.

Several flood warnings remain in place for parts of Queensland, with the Southern Downs region, south-west of Brisbane particularly affected.

In the nearby town of Warwick, roads turned into rivers due to heavy rainfall.

Further north, Mackay has been saturated, prompting a number of warnings and road closures.

The grounds of a local school, Mackay Christian College, were flooded, forcing the principal to rescue a group of cattle from the school's agriculture department.

READ MORE: Exhausted nurses walk away from their jobs

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called for people to adhere to the warnings and avoid travelling in flooded areas.

"If you're out and about this weekend, remember - if it's flooded, forget it," she said.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) severe thunderstorms are likely in central Queensland, and possible through eastern and southern parts of the state today.

The worst-hit areas are forecast to be the Central West and Central Highlands and Coalfields regions.

"Heavy rainfall is the primary hazard, with a lower chance of damaging winds and large hail," the BoM said.

NSW was drier today, but showers and storms still hit the state's north.

Flooding is continuing across a number of catchments, with major flooding still a concern in some areas.

LIVE UPDATES: Pharmaceutical giant developing Omicron variant vaccine

Numerous warnings remain in place throughout both NSW and Queensland.

The Lachlan, Macquarie, Namoi and Macintyre rivers are all spilling their banks.

Thunderstorms in NSW's north are a risk for tomorrow and Wednesday.

The SES received 226 calls for help yesterday in NSW, with 13 flood rescues undertaken.