Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to wreak havoc with hundreds of schools across south-east Queensland and northern NSW forced to remain closed.
More than 680 state, Catholic and independent schools in Queensland still have their doors closed.
An additional 255 schools are also shut in northern NSW.
Premier David Crisafulli said some schools may be reopening on Monday, but urged families to use caution and avoid going out if it was too dangerous.
‘Don’t go crossing flooded water to get to a school,’ he said.
‘There will be parts of the broader area where it is safe for people to go to school and go back to work.
‘But my message today, and we do have a bit of rain left to go, is overwhelmingly you must always put your safety first.
‘That’s number one in a disaster. Property can be replaced, people can’t.’
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has urged residents to avoid travel when necessary and pay attention to evacuation orders
Emergency flood warnings have been issued across south-east Queensland and northern NSW
The closures could have detrimental impacts for students due to start NAPLAN tests from Wednesday.
‘As the full impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to unfold and clean-up efforts begin to get under way, our priority is ensuring the safety of students and staff,’ NSW education minister Prue Car said.
For those schools which are unable to open, NAPLAN tests will be postponed until March 17.
Both state governments are regularly updating information on school statuses.
The NSW government has said it is expected that most schools will be able to reopen on Tuesday.
Emergency flood warnings have been issued across south-east Queensland and northern NSW.
In Queensland, major flood warnings have been issued for Bremer River and Warrill Creek, as well as Laidley Creek.
The Bureau of Meteorology has also issued warnings that major flooding is possible along the Tweed River at Tumbulgum.
More to come.
