Queensland communities prepare for major flooding
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued major flood warnings for one state, as residents prepare for wild conditions over the coming days.
Residents in northwest Queensland have been evacuated from their homes following record-breaking floods, with the southeast preparing for damaging winds and rain.
533 millimetres of rain fell was recorded across the northwest region of Doomadgee, Buketown and Gregory River, reaching a 50-year high of 18 metres.
Sky News reports 24 people have already been evacuated from their homes and a further 50 relocated to higher ground as the flooding intensifies.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a major flood warning for the Nicholson, Gregory and Leichhardt Rivers.
The Bureau stated on Friday significant river level rises were observed in the upper parts of the Nicholson and Leichhardt catchment at Riversleigh, Gregory Downs and Doomadgee township where major flooding is occurring.
“At Doomadgee Township a major record river level of 8.54 metres was recorded on Friday morning, however river levels are now rising more slowly, and nearing a peak,” the Bureau stated.
“Record major flooding is occurring at Burketown, with further rises and a record peak likely during Sunday.”
Major flooding occurring at Burketown is likely to exceed the March 2011 flood record of 6.78m from late Friday, with a peak expected on Sunday.
The tropical storm is now moving south across the state and is expected to hit Brisbane on Friday afternoon.
Brisbane City Council is urging residents to be prepared as potential heavy rainfall is forecast to fall in some catchments across the region over the weekend.
Bureau of Meteorology have forecast showers, with the potential for heavy rainfall in some catchments across Brisbane over the coming days â›ˆï¸ Find out more: https://t.co/F3ahF5iGl2#BePreparedpic.twitter.com/1vptZ9m0GA
— Brisbane City (@brisbanecityqld) March 9, 2023
Sky News Australia Meteorologist Rob Sharpe said southeast Queensland can expect a few days of rain before the weather eases early next week.
“Showers in Brisbane and surrounds on Friday will increase, likely becoming more consistent periods of rain overnight,” he said.
“Saturday is likely to be the wettest and gloomiest day of the week.
“Much of southeast Queensland will see 10-50mm, with potential for isolated falls up to 100mm if the system intensifies as some forecast models suggest.
“There are still likely to be some showers at times on Sunday, but there should be long gaps to get outside.
“From Monday there’s merely the chance of the odd shower.”
The BOM has issued the following current flood watches and warnings:
- Major Flood Warning for the lower Flinders River and Minor Flood Warning for the Cloncurry River
- Major Flood Warning for the Nicholson, Gregory and Leichhardt Rivers
- Moderate Flood Warning for the Georgina River and Eyre Creek
- Minor Flood Warning for the Norman River
- Flood Warning for the Diamantina River and Moderate Flood Warning for the Western River
- Flood Watch for parts of the Lake Eyre Basin Rivers
- Initial Flood Watch for the Condamine-Balonne and Moonie rivers
- Initial Minor Flood Warning for the Barcoo River
Northern Territory
Meanwhile, the manager of McArthur River caravan park in the Northern Territory, Gayle Lamont, told Sky News the community was preparing to be isolated for a long time to come due to flooding.
“A lot of the elders were very anxious knowing the bridge would go over,” she said.
“They were worried for their family, for food, for medications.”
New South Wales
Sydneysiders can expect the sunshine to continue into Saturday before the weather makes a cool change.
“Sunday the clouds will return and there is the chance of showers more likely later in the day,” Mr Sharpe said.
“Monday looks cool, wet and fairly gloomy.
“Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle could all be drenched by a series of showers as people return to work.”
Mr Sharpe said rain totals could reach as high as 50mm in some beachside suburbs but rain should ease by Wednesday.
Originally published as Queensland communities prepare for major flooding
