The rainfall that swept through the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane today has now moved onto the Gold Coast and hinterland.

Heavy falls are expected until at least midnight, when the system should sweep more into northern New South Wales.

Assistant police commissioner Alistair Dawson said the message was clear for locals.

"Slow down, remember there are a lot of people trying to get home to their loved ones, and not to drive through flooded roads, if it's flooded, forget it," he said.

"It's better to arrive late than not at all."