Ms Bligh said dozens of roads were closed due to flooding or had water across them.

“The message is very simple: if it’s flooded, forget it,” Ms Bligh said.

“It is disturbing to hear that there have been 25 incidents of motorists driving into floodwaters in the past 24 hours.

“Those people required swift water rescues and that means they put not only their lives at risk but also the lives of the emergency services personnel that rescued them.

“Attempting to drive on a flooded road can quickly turn to disaster – it’s just not worth it.

“Not only are you putting your life and the lives of your passengers at risk, you are putting your rescuers in harm’s way.

“Remember it only takes 60 cm of fast-flowing water to wash a car off a road.

“As at midday on Wednesday last week, there were more than 60 road closures across Brisbane alone while dozens of other roads across the state are affected including the Bruce Highway which is cut at Cherwell between Childers and Maryborough.

“Motorists should plan their journey, leave extra time for travel and stay out of floodwaters.”

Ms Bligh also warned motorists to be prepared for potential damage to the road network.

“We saw last summer how devastating heavy rain and flooding can be to our roads so motorists should again be on the lookout for new damage,” she said.

“Saturated roads are carefully managed through forcing road closures, load restrictions and traffic management, so I urge motorists to follow directions.

“Traffic and road restriction signs are enforceable by law and motorists must comply with these signs, which can include ‘no entry’ signs and restricted road use notices on roads that are closed.

“Crews are on stand-by to help reopen roads as soon as possible and begin investigating any necessary repairs needed.”

For the latest road closures across Queensland please visit www.131940.qld.gov .au