Flash flooding, heavy rain continues to cause damage to Central Queensland towns
Heavy rain and flooding is continuing to cause havoc, with up to 400mm of rain set to fall in one part of Queensland in 24 hours.
Environment
Don't miss out on the headlines from Environment. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Heavy rain and flooding is continuing to cause havoc for thousands of Central Queensland residents, as up to 400mm of rain could fall in some parts of the state in 24 hours.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued several warnings on Monday as heavy rainfall continues through to Tuesday.
Senior meteorologist Felim Hanniffy told Sky News on Monday the extended intense rainfall could lead to flash flooding.
“The main thing to watch is that it’s a dynamic situation, an escalating and deteriorating situation,” Mr Hanniffy said.
“Obviously, when you get sustained multiple days of heavy to local intense rainfall, this is also going to bring the risk of life-threatening flash flooding as well.”
Hamilton Island recorded it heaviest rainfall in 24 hours, breaking an 18-year-old record with 234mm observed.
A low pressure system is causing significant and prolonged severe weather across the region, including the Central Coast and Whitsundays.
The bureau warns six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 180mm are likely, with isolated 24-hourly totals up to 300mm over southern parts of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin and across the Central Coast and Whitsundays districts.
Over far northeastern parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields district, six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 to 120mm remain possible, with isolated 24-hourly totals up to 150mm.
Residents are being warned to stay alert for flash flooding over central and northern parts of the Central Coast and Whitsundays.
The bureau forecasts 400 to 500mm is possible within 24 hours, particularly about the coast and ranges north of Mackay.
Locations that may be affected include Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, Collinsville, Hamilton Island, Sarina, Ayr, Nebo, Eungella and Airlie Beach.
Jubilee Pocket recorded 392mm rainfall within the last 24 hours up until 9am on Monday, with 372mm at Peter Faust Dam, 317mm at Proserpine Airport and 313mm observed at Preston and Bowen.
The bureau has issued several flood watches and warnings for the following areas:
- Flood watch for the Lower Herbert and Central Coast catchments
- Major flood warning for the Georgina River and Eyre Creek
- Major flood warning for the Pioneer River
- Initial moderate flood warning for the Don River
- Initial moderate flood warning for the Haughton River Catchment
- Moderate flood warning for the Cape River, Minor Flood Warning for Suttor and lower Burdekin Rivers
- Moderate flood warning for the Flinders River
- Minor flood warning for the Connors-Isaac River Catchments
- Minor flood warning for the Herbert River
- Minor flood warning for the Norman and Gilbert rivers
- Minor flood warning for the Thomson and Barcoo Rivers and Cooper Creek
- Flood warning for the Diamantina River
- Final flood warning for the Ross and Bohle rivers
Parts of the Bruce Highway remain closed due to flooding.
Originally published as Flash flooding, heavy rain continues to cause damage to Central Queensland towns
‘Salacious’: Barnaby fires up on leadership
Barnaby Joyce says his campaign to end the commitment to net zero has nothing to do with trying to push out Nationals leader David Littleproud.
Millions of Aussies set for soaking
Lashings of rain and destructive winds are on the way for the majority of Australia, with more wet weather on the way.