Roads out of Brisbane are clogged as office workers seek to flee the city while the river breaches its banks at multiple locations.The Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre, formally ANZ Stadium, is being prepared as a possible evacuation centre.Police have advised there have been no forced evacuations in the CBD, however numerous employers have advised their workers to go home.A number of buildings in the CBD and Fortitude Valley have been evacuated, while West End residents have been urged to move to higher ground. The river has also reportedly breached its banks at New Farm and Auchenflower.
Premier Bligh expects toll to rise dramaticallyNorth of the city, Caboolture has become completely isolated, while Strathpine residents are also being told to make for higher ground. Evacuations are also under way on Brisbane’s northside at Albion and Bowen Hills, the ABC reported.Roads are crowded and thousands of people are flocking to use public transport as the CBD empties. VIDEO: Cars swept away in ToowoombaBrisbane Airport remains open although there are concerns about a king tide expected at 1.30pm. There have been reports that buildings in the neighbouring suburb of Pinkenba are taking water and residents have been urged to seek higher ground.The gates have been thrown open to commuters at Brisbane's Central Station. A Translink spokeswoman said speculation that public transport would grind to a halt at 2pm was unfounded. However, trains north of Burpengary and west of Ipswich have been disrupted by the floodwaters. Inland tsunami kills eightPolice urged motorists to show caution and drive to the conditions."We urge people to plan their journey home carefully, and to leave plenty of time to get home before water cuts off a number roads in low-lying areas," a police alert said. Susan MacDonald, who was waiting for a train to get to her house in Middle Park in Brisbane’s west, said her entire office was ordered to go home."Our office is down at Eagle Street; we can see the river coming up," she said.Several Queensland government departments have ordered workers to go home, and there have also been reports of buildings being evacuated in Fortitude Valley.Public service employees in Brisbane have been granted special leave to return home if they have concern about their properties.Many businesses are closed, as staff go home to secure their properties.VIDEO: Toowoomba flood damage
