Parts of Queensland have been experiencing flash flooding and storm damage as intense rainfall of up to 300 millimetres from a severe weather system affects the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions.
Chris Clarke said his wife's car was "no good" after being crushed by a tree during the wild weather at Dalrymple Heights, west of Mackay.
Kerry Clarke was standing about a metre away from her car on Saturday night when a tree came crashing down on it.
"Thank God it just missed us … it could of [sic] turned the situation real bad," Mr Clarke said.
He said multiple trees had come down since the severe weather hit and two landslips on the Eungella Range had made it very difficult to get in and out of the area.
Highway cut, travellers stranded
Floodwaters have cut several places in and around Bowen and Mackay, including parts of the Bruce Highway, with Queensland Police advising drivers to delay travel.
Up to 100 stranded travellers affected by the highway closure were forced to hunker down in emergency accommodation overnight in Bowen PCYC.
Sergeant Michelle O'Regan from Bowen PCYC said the local community quickly rallied to make sure everyone had a comfortable night.
"They've brought blankets, sheets and toiletries that anybody would need," she said.
"We had one little fellow and he's donated his Ghostbusters doona … we had people making homemade sausage rolls and soup.
"We had people come in last night with DVDs and we put movies on in the function room for the kids and we've fitted the gymnastics hall with thick padded mats for bedding.
"The spirit of Bowen and the wider Whitsundays is very strong in this and I'm very proud of it."
Sergeant O'Regan said there were travellers from all over the country, as well as international tourists and backpackers.
"We've probably got about seven or eight dogs and one cat also," she said.
"We've also got some people sleeping in rooftop camping trailers and cars out in the car park."
Jennifer Davis from Merinda offered a room to a stranded worker from Innisfail.
"We welcomed this stranger into our home and provided a comfy room, a hot meal and a shower," she said.
"He was extremely grateful for our hospitality. We were glad we were able to assist in some way, as I have a child stranded in town at a friend's house."
Rain to continue
Severe thunderstorms are expected to bring intense rain across Mackay to Ingham, with isolated falls of up to 300 millimetres.
Since 9:00am yesterday, 356mm was recorded at Jubilee Pocket, 247mm at Dingo Beach, 230mm at Cannonvale and 179mm at Upper Finch Hatton.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that the region is not likely to get a break from the rain until the middle of the week.
Michael Young from the Mackay State Emergency Service said crews responded to 29 jobs in the region over the weekend.
"There's been a few isolated people between creeks, especially around the Bowen area because the roads have all been cut off," he said.
"The Fire and Rescue Services have had to do a couple of retrievals with kids and families."
Mr Young said leaky roofs were the most common reason for call-outs.
"Sadly, some of it's due to poor maintenance and things like that," he said.
