Warning of ‘life-threatening’ flash flooding for parts of Queensland as record rainfall predicted

There are 10 flood warnings across the state, with Townsville and Sunshine Coast among areas to be worst hit

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Download the free Guardian app; get our morning email briefing

A man has been pulled from flood waters and calls for help are rising in Queensland's north with authorities warning record May rainfall may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding".

A flood watch is in place for much of tropical and inland Queensland, with the state's fire and emergency services assistant commissioner Andrew Short saying crews had responded to 39 calls for help in the 24 hours to Tuesday morning, with the most intense downpours to shift east on Wednesday.