Cyclone conditions strengthen in Far North Queensland as tropical low develops off coast

Far North Queensland is bracing for even more strange weather throughout the week, amid new warnings that a tropical low off the coast could develop into a tropical cyclone.

Monsoon flows are expected to strengthen from Wednesday, increasing the risk of heavy rainfall, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said there was a risk of heavy falls from the northeast tropical coast down the far north to Townsville.

“With these heavy falls, the risk of flash flooding can threaten property and even life, depending on where they occur and how quickly the rain falls,” he said.

“Where river flooding is at its worst we are likely to see further road closures and community isolation continuing.

“Of course, we will continue to see agricultural impacts and livestock risks persist as cool, wet conditions persist in some areas.”

A tropical low off the Queensland coast has a 35 percent chance of becoming a tropical cyclone when it hits the Far North coast.

Authorities are monitoring the weather conditions closely and monsoon rains are expected to hit the state this week.

Ms Bradbury told the ABC a low-pressure trough could “deepen and intensify with the monsoon flow”.

“This is definitely something that our tropical cyclone expert team at the Bureau will be watching really closely as the week progresses,” he said.

“That rises to about 35 percent on Friday and then through the weekend when there is a moderate chance of reaching tropical cyclone intensity.

“At this point in time it would most likely be moved closer to the coast somewhere between Cooktown and Townsville.”

Cairns and Townsville recorded between 50 and 100 mm of rainfall on Monday; In some places, 200 mm or more of rainfall was recorded.

Ms Bradbury said the low pressure trough should move northwards across the Cape York Peninsula on Tuesday, bringing scattered showers and storms.

“We will continue to see river flooding even in those places where the rain may start to ease,” he said.

Flood warnings are in place for the western and northern parts of the state, including the northeast coast.

“We are currently focusing on our areas prone to major flooding, including the Flinders River and the Western River,” Ms Bradbury said.

“We are currently seeing major flooding occurring at the Flinders River and Walkers Bend at Richmond and the Western River at Winton.

“We may also see possible further increases as upstream flows arrive.”