Part of Aussie state ‘battered’ by record breaking flooding
More rain is forecast in northern Queensland and Townsville will be “battered” by rainfall and ongoing flooding in the coming days.
Sky News weather meteorologist Marina Neuman said of the seven-day forecast: “We’re looking at the potential for 300mm between Townsville and Cairns… at least 200mm (between that area). Then a more widespread 100mm in the centre.”
Ms Neuman said residents had already “seen 115mm in the last 24 hours (in Townsville) and about 45mm in Cowley Beach”.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall in Townsville, Palm Island, Ayr, Rollingstone, Giru and Alva Beach on Friday, where six-hour rainfall totals could reach between 80 and 150 mm, with isolated falls exceeding 200 mm.
Major and moderate flood warnings and watches are in place across much of the state. The Flinders River is at 10.99 meters and rising and is expected to remain above major flood stage (8 metres) until next week.
Rainfall will continue in the Top End but with “much lower totals overall”, with seven-day totals expected to be around 100mm between Darwin and Katherine.
Last week’s rainfall has caused river levels to rise and flooding along the upper Georgina River and its tributaries above Marion Downs; A minor flood warning remains in effect.
The bureau has also issued a flood warning for the Nicholson and Leichhardt rivers.
According to the bureau, the main flood peak along the Nicholson River is approaching Escott Station, while the main flood peak along the Leichhardt River is approaching Floraville, where river levels are currently rising and are expected to continue rising over the next few days.
On the other hand, Friday’s forecasts for capital cities are mixed.
The mercury in Perth will drop to 35C; hot, dry conditions will create extreme fire danger for the Swan Inland North, Swan Inland South and Brockman fire weather zones. The bureau also issued a severe heatwave warning for the Goldfields and Central Wheat Belt regions.
In Sydney the weather is partly cloudy but no rain, the highest temperature is 25C
The maximum temperature in Canberra is 27C.
Melbourne will reach 27C on Friday and it will be mostly sunny.
It’s a sunny, warm day in Adelaide, reaching 31C in the afternoon.
The maximum temperature for Tasmania is expected to be 21C and the weather will be cloudy.
