Melbourne-based weatherman David 'Brownie' Brown has predicted snow and major rains in barren parts of Victoria as a result of the cold air forcing Queensland's destructive storm front out to sea tonight.

But some Brisbane areas could get wet again once more this evening.

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"Basically there's been a persistent area of low pressure persisting throughout eastern parts of Queensland, even dipping into NSW, over the last week," says Brownie.

"That's the driving force behind the storms that has lead to flooding rains, The Gap being the hardest hit."

"And again, last night, another explosive development materialised yet again. It's all being fuelled by lots of moisture from the Coral Sea."

Some areas received up to 250milimetres of rain overnight in further downfalls that lead to the death of one woman swept away in a swollen river.

"Thankfully, " says Brownie, "it's not been more widespread. It could be much worse if it was spread over a larger area as it has been before."

"In 1974, Brisbane was underwater. I was only young but I can remember - The Regatta Hotel saw its bottom two floors completely underwater."

"People are saying this is a once in a lifetime storm but really, it may have been dramatised a bit."

"The storm in 1974, oh boy. It was one of the events we learned about in weather school as the example!  The Queensland government actually built a dam up stream to try to control these flood events - and so far, it seems to be working."

What's next

Brown forecasts that the system will move on as fast as it moved in, but not before a final deluge.

"In a bit of a double whammy for Brisbane residents, more storms may hit tomorrow.  Luckily, it is all about to head offshore tomorrow - so that should be it from this trough. "

Brown's sophisticated weather modelling show patterns that a cold area is finally pushing the front offshore.

"Once it's offshore, it will be a fine day in Queensland and also in North Eastern New South Wales. At the moment there's a big storm warning for north east New South Wales, and they -  Coffs Harbour, Moree  - could experience some massive storms late into the evening. 

Queensland's dry brings Victoria rain

"This front which will push the storm out to sea, will bring drenching rains to Victoria it's just that big. And we really need [the rain] down here. It's desperately needed."

"In the eastern half of the state, we expect up to one hundred millimetres will fall."

"And then, on Saturday, the air following this front will bring, I believe snow in the alps."

"Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, they should all see a few inches of spring snow ."

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Related links

Queenasland storm photos – flickr set

All Sunrise viewer weather photos – flickr group