Queensland prepares for consecutive days of heavy rain as BoM issues flood alerts for regions of the state
Numerous areas in north Queensland are anticipated to face prolonged heavy rainfall, with certain locations predicted to collect as much as 500mm throughout the next week, according to the weather bureau. The Bureau of Meteorology has released a severe weather advisory for heavy downpours in the gulf region and is likely to issue another alert for the coastal vicinity surrounding Townsville later today. Additionally, flood warnings have been issued for the gulf, with a flood watch currently activated for segments of north-western Queensland and the tropical north coast. BoM senior meteorologist Andrea Peace indicated that regions within the gulf, including Mount Isa, recorded between 30 and 80mm of rainfall in the past day, with some isolated areas experiencing up to 120mm. The same regions are projected to receive another 100mm of rain on Sunday. Peace noted that the system is extensive and gradually strengthening, while remaining “almost stationary.” It will “affect Queensland for at least the next three to four days,” she stated. “We anticipate receiving significantly more rainfall in that area over the upcoming days,” she remarked. Pearce explained that the system is expected to shift further east on Tuesday and Wednesday. “Seeing totals exceeding 500mm widely across the region this week is certainly plausible,” she added. Pearce highlighted the potential risk to livestock, likening the current rain event to the 2019 Townsville flood, which resulted in severe inland flooding. Queensland police minister, Dan Purdie, mentioned that the state disaster coordinator has spent the prior week preparing for possible flooding. “The primary concern in north-west Queensland involves livestock and fodder, and the strategy is in place to drop fodder [if roads are impassable],” Purdie stated. The bureau has issued a moderate flood advisory for the town of Winton, anticipating that the Diamantina River will flood on Sunday. Furthermore, there is a long-term significant flood warning for Walkers Bend, connected to the Flinders and Cloncurry catchments. Flooding is predicted in Cloncurry today. A second weather system is expected to bring heavy rain to the coastal areas around Townsville and Cairns. This region has already recorded totals of approximately 100mm in the past day. Peace indicated that the area could see an extra 60 to 80mm today, with isolated regions possibly experiencing up to 200mm. On Monday, conditions will escalate with totals of 70 to 120mm, and some areas may surpass 300mm. “At present, our flood team is considering issuing flood warnings, particularly for areas just to the north of Townsville, near the Bohle River,” she mentioned. This extreme weather is fueled by a monsoon trough inland and a monsoon low offshore, both of which are influenced by exceptionally high sea surface temperatures. It is expected to persist throughout the week, with a reduction in rainfall anticipated later on, Peace stated.
Published: 2025-12-28 02:03:00
source: www.theguardian.com
