Schools in southeast Queensland will remain closed for a second day on Friday, with concerns for childrens' safety as the region is swamped by intense rainfall.
The aftermath of Cyclone Debbie has caused a deluge in southeast Queensland, leading the state government on Thursday to close all public, private and independent schools from Agnes Water south to the NSW border.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the decision to close state schools and make a directive for private schools to follow suit for a second day on Friday wasn't taken lightly.
The premier said the worst weather had been forecast for Thursday afternoon when schools were to break and experts had recommended all people stay indoors and off flooded roads.
"What we didn't want to see was people going out and picking up their children ... at a time this weather event is only going to get worse," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"This decision was made in the best interest of the safety of families and we are now making that same decision for tomorrow because we simply do not want to put people's safety at risk."
The weather is expected to ease on Friday, however there was enough uncertainty around that prediction for the government to cancel classes for a second day.
Friday was to be the last day of term, meaning children will go straight to the Easter break.
Ms Palaszczuk also urged everyone, children and adults, to stay at home on Thursday night.
"If you have plans tonight to go out to see friends, to see neighbours, to travel, please do not. Stay in your home; this is for one night," she said.
"I need to have the roads clear for our emergency services personnel if they do need to go to the assistance of people."
