Key Takeaways
- A monsoon trough is bringing heavy rain to north Queensland, with potential for a lengthy flood event
- A tropical low and monsoon trough are lingering over the region, causing heavy rainfall and flash flooding
- Major flood warnings are in place for the Flinders River, and moderate flood warnings for the Cloncurry and Western Rivers
- A flood watch has been issued for parts of north-western Queensland and the north tropical coast
- Residents are advised to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest warnings and forecasts
Introduction to the Flood Warning
The weather bureau has issued a warning for a potential lengthy flood event in north Queensland over the coming days. A monsoon trough has brought heavy falls to the north-west and Gulf Country, and is intensifying as it drifts south. According to Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Jonathan How, a tropical low and a monsoon trough lingering over the region is bringing heavy rain, with some areas experiencing totals of between 50 to 150 millimeters, and up to 200 millimeters around the Ingham area overnight.
Current Weather Conditions
The current weather conditions are severe, with heavy rain affecting the Gulf Coast, and totals of between 50 to 100 millimeters, with isolated falls above that. The monsoon trough has brought significant rainfall to the Gulf Country, and the Bureau of Meteorology is warning of further intensification of the weather system. Mr. How stated that conditions would intensify across the north-west heading into Monday, with six-hourly rainfall totals of up to 100 millimeters, and even higher isolated falls expected.
Flood Warnings and Watches
A major flood warning is in place for the Flinders River, and moderate flood warnings for the Cloncurry and Western Rivers. Additionally, a flood watch has been issued for parts of north-western Queensland and the north tropical coast. Mr. How explained that the flood watch extends all the way from Mackay up towards Cairns, including Townsville and over towards the Gulf Country and down towards Mt Isa, covering a very broad area of the state. The Cloncurry SES has made multiple assists over the weekend, and residents are advised to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest warnings and forecasts.
Expected Rainfall Totals
The expected rainfall totals will depend on how the low and trough move, and the Bureau of Meteorology is continually updating its forecast as well as its flood expectation. Mr. How warned that the rainfall is expected to peak during Monday, with isolated falls breaching 300 millimeters, and even drifting further south into the Channel Country. The rain is expected to gradually shift eastwards across the coast, with back-to-back days of 50 to 150 millimeters and isolated falls well in excess of 200 millimeters expected from Tuesday, Wednesday, even to Thursday for places like Longreach.
Response and Preparations
In response to the flood warning, a team of six additional members from the State Emergency Service will be deployed from Brisbane to Cloncurry on Sunday. Residents are advised to stay across the warnings and to keep informed about the latest updates, whether they are traveling around or remaining in place over the next week or so. The Leichhardt River running through Mt Isa has covered the road, and residents are advised to exercise caution and to follow the instructions of local authorities.
Conclusion and Outlook
In conclusion, the weather bureau is warning of a potential lengthy flood event in north Queensland over the coming days, with a monsoon trough bringing heavy rain to the region. Residents are advised to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest warnings and forecasts, and to exercise caution in the face of severe weather conditions. The Bureau of Meteorology will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary, and residents are advised to follow the instructions of local authorities and to stay safe during this time.
