Queenslanders are being warned of a “serious weather event” with heavy rain and localised flooding predicted this week.

A warning has been issued for central and western parts of Queensland, including Longreach and Barcaldine.

The system is forecast to shift east on Wednesday, increasing in strength along the east coast.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says flash flooding can occur at any time.

“We’ve been advised by the Bureau of Meteorology that towns such as Longreach could experience 5-10 times their normal May rainfall, so it is a serious weather event, so we are urging people to take care out there.”

Nine News weatherman Garry Youngberry says Townsville’s average May rainfall is 33mm, but they are likely to see ten times that amount.

“The heaviest rain for south-east Queensland will be the northern suburbs, especially the Sunshine Coast, falls up around Coolum close to 200mm, 130mm at the Sunshine Coast Airport,” he told Scott Emerson.

“This is what we are likely to see, tomorrow, Wednesday, Thursday and even into Friday.”

He warned of the likelihood of flooding, particularly in the inland parts of the state.

QFES commissioner Greg Leach says catchments are already saturated.

He warned previous wet weather meant even a small amount of rain could cause catchments to rise.

Press PLAY below to hear the weather wrap-up

Images: Getty iStock, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk/Twitter