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Worst flood in century to hit Rockhampton

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Residents in low-lying parts of Rockhampton have been warned to prepare for what could be the biggest flood to hit the central Queensland city in almost a century.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart has warned the Fitzroy River could reach 9.5 metres at Rockhampton on Friday, which would be the biggest flood to hit the city since 1918.

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Mr Stewart warned those in low-lying areas to start moving their property to higher ground on Saturday.

"I'd encourage people to move now. Don't wait until Monday or Tuesday," he said on Saturday.

He said the Fitzroy is gradually rising and low-lying areas would begin to be cut off in the next couple of days.

The city's airport is also likely to be inundated by some time on Monday, while roads in and out of the city could also be cut.

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At 9.5 metres, the peak could surpass the levels of the 2011, 1991 and 1954 floods.

It is expected homes in the Depot Hill area and low-lying parts of Berserker, Allenstown and Kawana will be inundated when the Fitzroy reaches the major flood level of 8.5 metres on Monday afternoon.

Additional emergency services personnel are being moved into city as the river rises.

Major flooding has already been recorded in the Mackenzie, Connors and Isaac rivers that flow into the Fitzroy following heavy rainfall from ex-Cyclone Debbie.

Minor flooding has also occurred upstream in the Fitzroy, and major flooding is expected in the Yaamba area, north of Rockhampton, on Monday.

AAP