A police officer smashed a window to rescue a woman trapped in a car in floodwaters in Brisbane after almost 100 millimetres fell within three hours in parts of south-east Queensland. 

A police spokesperson said the woman was rescued on Gardner road at Rochedale, in Brisbane's south, about 3:30pm. 

Meanwhile, a woman and three children were rescued by civilians after their car became stuck in floodwater about 2:30pm at Birkdale. 

Firefighters and swift water rescue crews doorknocked homes to check on residents. 

Queensland Fire Department station officer Stephen Humphreys said no one was injured in the incident at Mary Pleasant Drive in Birkdale.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) cancelled its severe thunderstorm warning for heavy rainfall just before 4pm on Saturday. 

According to the BOM, 99mm was recorded in three hours at Leslie Harrison Dam and 98mm fell at Burbank. 

Senior meteorologist Steve Hadley said a trough with moisture and instability had taken longer to ease off than expected.

"We weren't anticipating this morning but with the rainfall totals that are happening we have put a severe thunderstorm warning," he said. 

Birkdale resident Lorraine Hooker said water around her neighbourhood had risen to waist deep in some spots.

"The cars are all banked up and there are people who are wondering whether they go forwards or backwards or just go through it and risk it," she said.

Ms Hooker said the water was lapping at front fences and threatening to enter homes.

"It's a different way of cleaning the floors, takes floor washing to a whole new level," she said.

The BOM said a coastal trough in combination with very humid, unstable conditions was generating heavy showers and thunderstorms.

Residents are being advised to park their cars undercover, close doors and windows, ensure pets are safe, and not to drive in dangerous conditions.

Mr Hadley said the rain was expected to ease into the afternoon with isolated showers expected on Sunday.

Continuous flooding rain has forced the cancellation of the Sherwood Community Festival in Brisbane’s west.

The annual volunteer-run free event has been running for 29 years and was expected to attract 8,000 people.

Festival president Sophie Julian said organisers had made the call with the Brisbane City Council on Saturday afternoon.

"We are devastated… it is just way too wet on the ground and we can’t get cars in here," she said.

"We've had a cry and a lie down in the puddles and thankfully one of our sponsors have offered us a drink afterwards."