Townsville, Cairns: BOM advises monsoon trough return with severe storms predicted

With severe storms on the Far North and North Queensland horizon, the Bureau has advised heavy rain will impact coastal regions and was likely to trigger isolated flash flooding.

With severe storms on the Far North and North Queensland horizons, the Bureau of Meteorology has advised a monsoon could rebound to the coastal regions over the weekend and cause flash flooding.

On Thursday morning BOM issued a thunderstorm forecast which warned of heavy or intense rainfall from Cape York to south of Mackay, as reports of Laura River flooding across the Peninsula Development Rd which links Cooktown and Weipa to Cape York, were issued by Queensland Department of Main Roads and Traffic.

Community Information Officer Patch Clapp said there was a high chance heavy showers could hit the 735km coastline between Mackay and Cairns.

Wet weather is predicted to soak Cairns, Mackay and Townsville with a monsoon trough forecast to bring heavy rain. Picture: Brendan Radke

As of January 12, Cairns had received 63.6mm for the month while Townsville had received 71.8mm.

“Anywhere along the coast between Mackay and Cairns including Townsville could be a watch-point for possible flash flooding,” he said.

Katrina Weston with Ngahuia Tamou, 5, cool off at Riverway despite the threat of rain. Picture: Evan Morgan

“We expect a return of the monsoon trough over this region over the weekend.”

Mr Clapp said people should be prepared to deal with flash flooding due to the heavy rains already clogging up the soil.

“We need to consider now after the last few weeks how the soil have been saturated and things (possible flooding) will respond more quickly,” he said.

“So people need to be careful on roads, in populated areas, creeks and rivers and around the coastal areas during the next few days and into next week.”

Severe storms were also possible west of Tully and Atherton, Mr Clapp said.

“Looking ahead, we will have plenty of widespread heavy rain.”

The Laura River in the Jack River National Park, is flooding as severe storms impact across the Far North. Picture: Supplied

Friday weather forecast

Cairns – 24 – 30 Shower or two

Atherton – 20 – 26 Showers, possible storm

Cardwell – 24 – 31 Showers, possible storm

Cooktown – 23 – 30 Showers, possible storm

Innisfail – 23 – 30 Showers, possible storm

Mareeba – 22 – 29 – Showers, possible storm

Mossman – 24 – 31 Showers, possible storm

Post Douglas – 23 – 29 Showers, possible storm

Thursday Island – 24 – 30 – Shower or two, possible storm

Townsville – 24 – 39 – Showers, possible storms.

Yarrabah – 24 – 30 – Showers, possible storm

Originally published as Townsville, Cairns: BOM advises monsoon trough return with severe storms predicted