Townsville weather: More rain forecast for North Queensland as disaster group watches weather

Townsville and NQ residents are being warned more monsoonal rain and flash flooding is set to lash our already-drenched region. Sandbag stations have been replenished and residents are urged to prepare now. *NEW WARNINGS*

North Queenslanders are being warned more monsoonal rain and flash flooding is set to lash our already-drenched region.

Townsville’s Local Disaster Management Group has urged residents to prepare for further inundation overnight Thursday and into the weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the monsoon trough that has already dumped more than a metre of rain to some suburbs will move back over the region in coming days.

Fresh warnings were issued at 4pm Thursday for moderate flooding of the Ross River and Bohle River catchments.

“No further significant rainfall has been recorded since 9am Thursday across the greater Townsville area. However, there remains a very high chance of further thunderstorms and heavy rainfall areas overnight Thursday into Friday and across the weekend,” the warning read.

“...whilst catchments remain wet from recent prolonged rainfall, any further rainfall is expected to result in rapid rises and lead to a return of more significant flooding across the Townsville area.”

As advised by Townsville City Council, Ross River Dam will see controlled releases through the spillway, contributing to flows downstream in the Ross River.

Residents collect sand bags at Lou Litster Park over the weekend. Pics Adam Head

TLDMG Chair Andrew Robinson said residents needed to be alert, with sandbag stations replenished ahead of further severe weather.

“Residents should remain aware and continue listening to advice as the rain picks up today and into the weekend,” Cr Robinson said.

“The current advice is for all residents across the Townsville local government area to stay informed. The TLDMG remains stood up and will continue to meet regularly until the weather event subsides.

“Sand and sandbags have been replenished at sites across Townsville for residents to collect. If you have sandbags at home, bring them along to fill up.”

Chief Superintendent Graeme Paine has warned that even small amounts of rainfall could lead to flash flooding due to already saturated ground.

“You really need to make those decisions that put your safety first and the safety of others first in everything you do at this stage,” he said.

“We have a lot of water; as I said, even a small amount of rain can impact flash flooding quite quickly because everything is so wet.

Kings Road, Hyde Park. Picture: Evan Morgan

“I’ve had people say that they’re seeing water appear in areas that they’ve never seen before, even within the Townsville metropolitan area.

“It’s an indication that no weather event is the same. The impacts are often different, and unexpected things can happen. So please just take that safety-first approach and really do your research before you’re going to go anywhere.”

It comes as a 54-year-old Condon man was fined by police after getting stuck in floodwaters.

It will be alleged about 6pm on Wednesday, police received a call for service after a vehicle became stuck in floodwaters on Barratta Road, Upper Haughton.

A 54-year-old Condon man has been fined by police for allegedly driving through floodwaters at Upper Haughton.

Officers from Ayr Station attended and located the man out of the vehicle and uninjured.

He was charged for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without due care or attention.

He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on February 24.

“There is no excuse for trying to cross flooded roads, and putting yourself and others in danger,” Townsville Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Lawson said.

“You can’t tell what may be lurking under the surface, or how quickly water is moving.

“Remember if it’s flooded, forget it.”

Originally published as Townsville weather: More rain forecast for North Queensland as disaster group watches weather