Authorities in Central Queensland performed multiple rescues after vehicles became submerged in floodwaters that began rising in the early hours of New Year's Eve with record-breaking rain.
The Bureau of Meteorology told AAP on Friday the Kingaroy and South Burnett areas had seen low or no rainfall in the previous 24 hours and this was likely to continue for a few days.
"We are looking at a drying trend through the southeastern parts of Queensland, including around Kingaroy and the Burnett catchment in general," the bureau's Daniel Hayes said.
"We are expecting to see that situation continue to improve. It's down to moderate and minor flooding now."
South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff previously said the region was in recovery mode after flooding caused "massive damage".
She feared it could take "months if not years" to repair local roads.
South Burnett's mayor feared it could take "months if not years" to repair local roads. (Kathy Duff/AAP PHOTOS)
The rain has now moved on to the far north coast of Queensland, where Mackay saw more than 118mm of rain in 24 hours, of which 80mm fell in an hour.
"We had quite a smattering of bigger falls ... a lot of activity around the coast (on Thursday)," Mr Hayes said.
"The upper-level trough is expected to move away off the coast after (Friday) ... which is likely to be the peak for heavier falls around the North Tropical Coast areas."
The Bureau of Meteorology is warning of possible thunderstorms for much of southeast Queensland and possible severe thunderstorms from the Central Coast and Whitsundays to the North Tropical Coast.
Somerset and Wivenhoe Dams, northwest of Brisbane, began releasing water on Thursday but officials said there was "no concern for downstream residents".
The water authority said on Friday it had ceased flood releases from Somerset Dam.
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