Safety warning: deluge to soak Queensland central coast

A 200mm deluge is set to drench Queensland's central coast, bringing the risk of flash flooding to the sodden Sunshine State.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of falls of up to 200mm between Mackay and Rockhampton on Thursday.

Totals could top more than 200mm in some towns, the bureau said.

"This is a part of the country which is no stranger to heavy rain but anything over 100mm and certainly anything over 200mm will have some significant severe weather impacts," meteorologist Angus Hines said.

The heavy rainfall could create dangerous driving conditions and shut access routes.

The bureau also warned rivers and creeks could reach flood thresholds.

"There is some potential that we could see some areas of localised flash flooding," meteorologist Kimba Wong said.

"I would encourage people, residents and communities along the central Queensland coast, please, to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings as we head through the next day or two."

Trees, crops and property could also be damaged.

State Disaster Co-ordinator Assistant Commissioner Shane Chelepy urged Queenslanders not to drive through floodwaters after a spate of rescues during recent wet weather.

"We have already seen a number of swift-water rescues right across southeast Queensland of people who are driving into floodwaters," he said.

"We lose more lives during a disaster season by the reckless behaviour of driving through water than we do from the disasters.

"So please, if it's flooded, forget it."

Disaster resources have been deployed to the central region in case of severe weather impacts on Thursday.

The central coast deluge will be short-lived as the heavy rain is pushed offshore into the Coral Sea on Friday, with a few showers remaining along the saturated coastline.