Tropical low off coast of Cairns, flooding closes Bruce Hwy, threat of cyclone

Residents in the Far North Qld town of Gordonvale have been evacuated from flooded streets after a monster tropical low, and four others, formed off the coast increasing the risk of a cyclones.

Residents have been evacuated from flooded streets in Far North Queensland as a tropical low forms in the Coral Sea off Cairns, with the chance it could develop into a tropical cyclone as early as tomorrow.

Rainfall totals in excess of 300mm have been recorded in and around Cairns in the past 48 hours, including 346mm at The Boulders and 321mm at Cairns Racecourse.

SES and Swiftwater rescue crews evacuated residents of Gordonvale, near Cairns, on Wednesday after heavy rain triggered the flooding of low lying areas.

Up to 20 roads across the Cairns region are closed due to flooding, including parts of the Bruce Highway, while a landslide has shutdown the Kuranda Range road.

People travelling north from Cairns will be forced to travel through the Tableland.

Flood waters are currently affecting the Bruce Highway between Ingham and Cardwell and at Birkalla.

Water has flowed over rail tracks in Far North Queensland, causing disruptions to train services across the region.

Water has flowed over rail tracks, causing disruptions to train services across the region.

In a statement posted to social media, Queensland Rail said crews are working hard to keep the network running in the region.

“Water over the tracks caused by heavy rainfall and high tides can have significant impacts on our network and quickly become a safety risk,” the statement read. “While our dedicated teams are working hard to keep the network running across the state, some service disruptions are likely to occur, as your safety remains our top priority. “Our thoughts are with all communities affected.”

Flooding has closed Tully Mission Road at Birkalla, the Burke Developmental Road at Gamboola, Pine Creek Yarrabah Road at Green Hill, Silkwood Japoon Road at Silkwood and Burke Developmental Road at Wrotham.

Queensland Police will hold press conferences in areas expected to be affected by the wild weather.

A truck in floodwaters in Far North Queensland.

Massive rainfull figures have forced the closure of the Bruce Highway north of Ingham, with travellers forced to head north over the Atherton Tableland.

Residents in the Capricornia district are being asked to check and update their phone settings to favourite the Emergency Alert phone number ([phone]) to stay informed during the emergency.

Weather forecasters say there is the potential for five tropical lows to form over northern Australian waters this week – including three over Queensland – increasing the risk of heavy rainfall and tropical cyclones.

Heavy rain has caused inundation of some Gordonvale streets. SES are on scene and swiftwater crews have been sent to the area. Picture:

Major flood concerns for the Cairns region following a 350mm deluge. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

Weatherzone’s Ashleigh Madden said the enhanced tropical activity comes as two giant tropical waves clash near Australia – the Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) and an equatorial Kelvin Wave.

“In addition to the tropical waves, a monsoon surge is forecast to move over Indonesia towards Australia later this week, enhancing the potential for a tropical cyclone to develop in the region,” Ms Madden said.

Chance of a tropical cyclone at 8pm on Sunday, February 2. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Jonathan How said the tropical low the coast of Cairns had a 25 per cent chance of developing into a cyclone by Saturday.

“It is expected to continue gathering momentum and deepening over the Coral Sea over the next 24 to 48 hours,” he said.

“From tomorrow (Thursday), the tropical low does have a five per cent chance of forming into a tropical cyclone. This increases to 10 per cent by Friday.”

A tree down over Kuranda Range Road. Picture: Supplied.

Mr How said the bureau was also monitoring the potential of four other tropical lows within the Australian region, with one over the Gulf of Carpentaria, which has a moderate chance to form a cyclone over the weekend.

“But regardless of whether this does form into a tropical cyclone, we are still expecting heavy rainfall along the Queensland Coast, especially about the Cairns area, which could lead to river rises and also a bit of coastal flooding as well,” he said.

Mr How said the heavy rainfall could start to track south from tonight towards areas between Bowen and Mackay.

A severe weather warning for heavy rainfall remains active for people in parts of the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands.

“A surface low lies just off the coast northeast of Cairns, and is working with a ridge of high pressure further south to push rain areas onshore,” the warning said.

A marine wind warning is also active for the Cairns coast.

Queensland Police will hold press conferences across parts of the state which will be affected by the wild weather.

Press conferences have so far been called in Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg West, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast.

Residents in the Capricornia district are being asked to check and update their phone settings to favourite the Emergency Alert phone number ([phone]) to stay informed during the emergency.

Originally published as Tropical low off coast of Cairns, flooding closes Bruce Hwy, threat of cyclone