Emerald, North Qld Floods

The torrential rains have caused the Fairbairn Dam to overflow for the first time in 17 years, according to local reports. (Photo: Andrew Cramp)

 

Premier Anna Bligh described the overflow as breathtaking amid a message from authorities that the full force of the flood was not an immediate threat to anyone's safety. (Photo: Andrew Cramp)

 

More homes are expected to be inundated as flood waters peak in the central western Queensland town of Emerald on Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities project the town's swollen Nogoa River will reach a peak flow level of 15.5 metres around 2pm (AEST) on Tuesday.

"At the anticipated peak level, water will flow over the Vince Lester Bridge in Emerald," an Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) statement said.

The river level was just over 15 metres at 5am (AEST) on Tuesday, and authorities say the water level is rising at about three centimetres per hour.

"The rate of the rise and rate of flow out of the (Fairbairn) dam has slowed allowing some reassessment of the rate of relocation of residents," the EMQ statement said.

"This has also been scaled back."

More than 2,000 people have told emergency services they have evacuated their homes.

Most are staying with relatives or friends on higher ground but more than 60 people are living temporarily in the Emerald town hall.

A further 60 people, along with their pets, are seeking shelter at an agricultural college.