Between 16 and 22 November 2008 heavy rains and subsequent flooding affected the Brisbane region and surrounding areas. A surface trough developed through inland Queensland and combined with an upper level trough system to deliver severe thunderstorms and flood rainfall across parts of south-east Queensland.

The system affected multiple towns including Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Bundamba, Tallagalla, Forest Hill and Ebbw Vale. The heavy deluge produced significant rainfall over the catchment areas, which resulted in rapid river rises and consequent flooding. There was widespread damage to infrastructure including roads, railway lines and bridges as well as buildings and houses.

Furthermore, many vehicles were damaged due to the rapid rise in rivers and creeks. A person died when their car was swept away by floodwaters at a crossing on Laidley Creek at Forest Hill near Gatton. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2008 damage at $309 million, with the 2017 estimated normalised cost of $386 million.