The Bureau of Meteorology says flash flooding is possible across the Gold Coast, with up to 170 millimetres of rain forecast on Monday, and a further 100mm possible on Tuesday.
BOM atmospheric scientist Brooke Pagel said a severe weather warning was current for south-east Queensland, including the Gold Coast, with areas from the hinterland right to the border expected to be impacted.
"There are a couple of flood warnings out, the Gold Coast just has the initial flood watch, so basically, it's not quite a warning yet, but we're keeping an eye on the modelling and basically the river levels for that one," Ms Pagel said.
She said the areas impacted would depend on where the heavy rainfall occurred and the bureau would be monitoing the situation over the next 12-24 hours.
"It's the coastal regions mainly being impacted, all of the Gold Coast into the hinterland, they tend to get a lot more rainfall up there."
Ms Pagel said hundreds of millimetres were forecast from now until Wednesday.
"Then tomorrow will potentially be 40 to 100 millimetres, and that's basically across the whole Gold Coast."
A hazardous surf warning has also been put in place for the Gold Coast for Monday and Tuesday.
"There's a significant easterly swell that's looking to be about 2.5 to 3.1 metres, potentially developing along that south-east coast.
"That's basically due to a developing low in the southern Coral Sea, so that warning is valid for tomorrow and Wednesday."
Ms Pagel said the Gold Coast was urged to be on alert, with surfaces more saturated than usual due to recent wet weather.
"So the severity of those storms is actually the heavy rainfall that we're warning about because it can lead to flash flooding and renewed river level rises, especially because it's been so wet lately," she said.
"So it just sits right on top and there are a lot of areas I know in the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast where there are lots of little creeks and bridges that are really prone to flash flooding.
"So we're just letting everybody know, if you're near any creeks or rivers in low-lying areas that are prone to flood waters, be aware."
She advised Gold Coast residents to check for updated warnings and to stay off the roads if they could.
The Gold Coast City Council has also asked residents to remain vigilant and continue checking for updates.
"Everyone in the Gold Coast region is urged to keep up-to-date with latest weather warnings and flood alerts from Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)
"With intense rainfall expected this afternoon , Monday 28 March there is potential for flash flooding.
"Stay up-to-date - visit dashboard.cityofgoldcoast.com.au, tune into local media, or visit City of Gold Coast social channels."
