SYDNEY: Heavy rains falling on Australia's flooded northeast could have a “dramatic” impact, officials warned Sunday, stretching already swollen rivers and creeks to their limit across the devastated region. Queensland police commissioner Alistair Dawson said that severe weather lashing the already sodden northeastern state could bring flash flooding to currently dry areas with little warning. “Waters will rise quickly – you may not be aware of that rise,” Dawson told reporters. “Those places which have gone under before, especially on the road system, could well flood again within an hour.” Emergency chief Warren Bridson said the unprecedented deluge - which has hit an area larger than France and Germany combined, paralyzing the key agricultural and coal-mining region – meant the rain's impact was unpredictable. The wild weather even hit Queensland's premier Anna Bligh, with lightning striking her airplane as she toured flood-stricken areas, reportedly scorching the wings and startling those on board with a loud bang. – Agence France
