Key Takeaways
- A tropical low is forming off the coast of Far North Queensland, with a 35% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone by the weekend
- The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and potential riverine flooding to already inundated areas
- Communities in the north and far north of Queensland are advised to be aware of the risk and prepare for potential disruptions
- Residents are encouraged to store drinking water and follow updates from authorities
- The Cairns Regional Council is warning of potential water shortages due to infrastructure issues and is advising residents to conserve water
Introduction to the Storm
The Far North Queensland community is bracing for the first potential cyclone of the year, as a tropical low begins to form off the coast. According to Senior Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury, a low-pressure trough currently affecting the north-west coast is expected to deepen and intensify with monsoonal flow into a system called Tropical Low 12U. There is a 35% chance that it will develop into a tropical cyclone by the time it reaches the Far North Queensland coast. The Bureau of Meteorology is closely monitoring the situation, and residents are advised to stay informed and prepare for potential disruptions.
Storm Forecast and Potential Impacts
The tropical low is forecasted to continue west into Sunday, impacting already rain-inundated areas. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and potential riverine flooding to parts of the north and far north. The risk of flooding is particularly high, given that several locations in Queensland’s north-west broke monthly December rainfall records last week, including Burketown, Normanton, Cloncurry, and Julia Creek, which received 450mm to 550mm of rain. The Bureau of Meteorology is warning that the storm could move close to the coast somewhere between Cooktown and Townsville, and residents in these areas should be prepared for potential evacuations and disruptions.
Community Preparation and Response
The Cairns Regional Council is warning residents to prepare for potential water shortages due to ongoing infrastructure issues. The council’s CEO, Ken Gouldthorp, advised residents to store drinking water, as extended heavy downpours could lead to highly turbid water in the region’s catchments, forcing the council to switch off treatment plants. Residents are encouraged to use clean receptacles, store tap water or bottled water, and be prepared for potential interruptions to the water supply. The council is also working to prepare for the storm, with sandbags available and crews checking the region’s major drains and creeks.
Recovery from Previous Heavy Rain
Parts of the Cassowary Coast, between Cairns and Townsville, have already received more than a metre of rain in the past week, following monsoonal rain. The region is still recovering from the previous heavy rain, and the council is working to prepare for more rain. Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said that the council is prepared, but the community should still be aware of the risk. She advised people to heed warnings not to drive in floodwater and to be prepared for potential disruptions. The council is also attending to landslips that occurred last week near Mission Beach.
Agricultural Impacts
The heavy rain has had a mixed impact on the agricultural sector. While some farmers have welcomed the rain, others have been affected by the flooding. Dairy farmer James Geharty, who is based on the Atherton Tablelands, said that the rain has cooled the temperature down, which his cows appreciate. However, he noted that the farm has not received the same high rainfall totals as the coast, with only 119mm of rain so far this month. The rain has also brought some benefits, with the country looking "soft and fresh," according to Mr. Geharty.
Emergency Response and Rescue
The storm has already led to some emergency responses, with a rescue helicopter winching a man to safety from a motorhome on a flooded road about 100km west of Cairns on Monday morning. The man was not injured, but the incident highlights the importance of being prepared and aware of the risks associated with the storm. Residents are advised to follow updates from authorities and take necessary precautions to stay safe. The emergency services are on standby, and residents are encouraged to report any incidents or concerns to the relevant authorities.