Drivers rescued as heavy rains continue to lash eastern Australia

Torrential downpours dumped up to 28cm of rain on parts of eastern Australia yesterday, resulting in flash floods, stranded cars and knocked out power to thousands, the Bureau of Meteorology said.

Heavy rain has been falling across coastal areas of south-eastern Queensland state since Sunday, with wind gusts of up to 100kmh ripping branches from trees and downing power lines. No injuries or deaths were reported.