Meteorologists warn of flooding as daily rain totals could reach 200mm

Severe thunderstorms could bring heavy rainfall and flash flooding to parts of Queensland on Tuesday and for the rest of the week.

Severe thunderstorms could bring heavy rainfall and flash flooding to parts of Queensland this afternoon, with residents urged to keep an eye on weather warnings.

The Bureau of Meteorology advised storms were possible for large parts of the state for several days.

Atmospheric scientist Brooke Pagel said the focus of storms this afternoon and in coming days would be in the west of the state where residents can expect heavy rainfall.

“Scattered rainfall of 10mm to 30mm is possible in western, central and northern Queensland over the next few days with isolated falls of 30mm to 80mm,” Ms Pagel said.

“This is being caused by deep tropical moisture being drawn well inland with a trough lingering over western Queensland.”

Ms Pagel said heavy rainfall was possible between Cooktown and Bowen from Wednesday to Friday as a monsoon trough drifted south, and converging winds likely to form over the northeast coast.

Isolated falls of up to 200mm per day are possible depending on the location of the coastal convergence area.

The wet weather should shift north of Townsville on Friday and ease across the weekend as the trough and convergent area weaken and move north.

In the southeast, a slight increase in rainfall is expected on Wednesday.

Thunderstorms in the area are expected to contract west again from Thursday.

Several initial minor and moderate flood warnings have been issued for the western, central and southern districts.

“Ongoing showers and thunderstorms are expected across several catchments over the next few days which may lead to further river rises,” Ms Pagel said.