Key Takeaways
- Large parts of north Queensland are expected to experience heavy rainfall, with some areas potentially receiving up to 500mm in the coming week.
- The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings and flood warnings for various regions, including the gulf region and the coastal area around Townsville.
- The system is expected to impact Queensland for at least the next three to four days, with a risk to livestock and potential for flooding.
- A second system is expected to cause heavy rain in the coastal region around Townsville and Cairns, with totals potentially exceeding 300mm in some areas.
- The wild weather is being driven by a monsoon trough inland and a monsoon low offshore, with very high sea surface temperatures contributing to the intense rainfall.
Introduction to the Weather Event
The state of Queensland, particularly the northern regions, is bracing itself for a prolonged period of heavy rainfall, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing severe weather warnings and flood warnings for various areas. According to senior meteorologist Andrea Peace, parts of the gulf region, such as Mount Isa, have already received significant rainfall, with totals ranging from 30 to 80mm in the past day or so, and isolated areas receiving up to 120mm. The same areas are expected to receive an additional 100mm of rain on Sunday, with the potential for even more rainfall in the coming days.
Expected Rainfall and Flood Warnings
The system responsible for the heavy rainfall is described as very broad and gradually intensifying, while remaining almost stationary. As a result, it is expected to impact Queensland for at least the next three to four days, with Peace stating that "seeing totals in excess of 500mm broadly across the region this week is not out of the question." The bureau has issued a moderate flood warning for the town of Winton, with the Diamantina River expected to flood on Sunday, and a longer-term major flood warning for Walkers Bend, for the Flinders and Cloncurry catchments. Flooding is expected in Cloncurry today, and the Queensland police minister, Dan Purdie, has announced that the state disaster coordinator has spent the past week preparing for the potential flood.
Impact on Livestock and Fodder
One of the primary concerns associated with the heavy rainfall is the risk to livestock, with Peace comparing the rain event to the 2019 Townsville flood that caused massive inland flooding. Purdie has stated that the biggest concern in north-west Queensland is livestock and fodder, and the plan is in place to drop fodder if roads are cut off. The potential for flooding and isolation of livestock is a significant concern, and the authorities are taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the heavy rainfall.
Second System Expected to Cause Heavy Rain
A second system is expected to cause heavy rain in the coastal region around Townsville and Cairns, with the area already experiencing totals of about 100mm in the past day. Peace has stated that the area is likely to see an additional 60 to 80mm today, with up to 200mm in isolated pockets. On Monday, the rainfall is expected to intensify, with totals of 70 to 120mm, and some areas potentially seeing 300mm or more. The flood team is considering issuing flood warnings, particularly for the regions around just to the north of Townsville, around the Bohle River.
Drivers of the Wild Weather
The wild weather is being driven by a monsoon trough inland and a monsoon low offshore, both of which are being fueled by very high sea surface temperatures. According to Peace, it’s likely that the intense rainfall will continue all week, with the rain slackening off later in the week. The combination of the monsoon trough and the monsoon low is creating a perfect storm of heavy rainfall, and the authorities are urging residents to be prepared for the potential consequences of the flooding.
Conclusion and Preparations
In conclusion, the northern regions of Queensland are bracing themselves for a prolonged period of heavy rainfall, with the potential for significant flooding and disruption to livestock and fodder. The authorities are taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the heavy rainfall, and residents are being urged to be prepared for the potential consequences of the flooding. With the system expected to impact Queensland for at least the next three to four days, it is essential that residents stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their livestock.
