PREPARATIONS are being made to evacuate residents from homes and a caravan park on the Gold Coast as torrential rain continues.

Forecasters are predicting heavy storms this afternoon and the Gold Coast's canal systems were swollen by a high tide that peaked at 11am.

A Gold Coast City Council spokesman said the Disaster Co-ordination Centre had been activated.

"With a very high tide making the canals back up, the situation could change rapidly," he said.

"We are not at the trigger point yet, but we are prepared to start door-knocking and telling people to leave their homes if that becomes necessary."

About 25 homes which are close to Loders Creek at Chirn Park could be evacuated if waters rise rapidly.

Authorities are also keeping a close eye on 30 people in a caravan park at Coombabah that may be threatened this afternoon.

"The Disaster Management Group is currently monitoring weather conditions, and we need to be ready should the predicted storm for later today dump further heavy rain across the city," Disaster Co-ordinator Warren Day said.

"Areas such as Coombabah Lakes Caravan Park and Loders Creek at Southport are being monitored."

The water level in Hinze Dam, the city's main water supply, has risen by three metres in 48 hours.