Heavy summer rains have prompted authorities to issue flood warnings across vast areas of Queensland and New South Wales.<br/> <br />Australia's Bureau of Meteorology said more rains are expected over the next 24 hours - adding to weeks of heavy downpours.<br/> <br />Police in New South Wales said the floods have spread through many people's homes.<br/> <br />Some residents have heeded orders to evacuate, while others have stayed put, using sandbags as protection.<br/> <br />In Port MacQuarie, the skipper of a yacht is feared dead after his crew reported him missing after he was caught in a storm.<br/> <br />But local police are hopeful.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) DON STEWART, NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE, SAYING:<br/> <br />"From the information supplied by his friends on board they believe he was wearing a lifejacket."<br/> <br />The New South Wales State Emergency Service estimates 12,000 people could be isolated by floodwaters by late Thursday.<br/> <br />Travis Brecher, Reuters
