Cyclone warning issued for North Queensland with life-threatening flash flooding possible
North Queensland is on high alert as tropical rains rise off the coast, threatening communities between Cairns and Townsville.
In its latest update, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warns of severe weather conditions including 250mm of rain over the next 24 hours, as well as strong winds.
BOM meteorologist Angus Hines warns that the tropical low could strengthen into a hurricane.
“There is a high risk of tropical cyclone development on Saturday evening, meaning the low pressure area could become a category 1 tropical cyclone in the last few hours of the day on Saturday,” he said.
In the Coral Sea, the tropical low (12U) located between the Northern Tropical Coast and Willis Island continues to move south-southwest towards the Queensland coast.
The chance of the system becoming a tropical cyclone has increased to 60 percent.
A cyclone warning has been issued for residents of areas between Port Douglas and Airlie Beach, including Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville, Bowen and Proserpine.
“Heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding, is forecast to develop just north of Townsville and extend south to Airlie Beach as the day progresses,” BOM said.
“Locally heavy rainfall is possible between Tully and Airlie Beach later today, which could lead to dangerous and heave-threatening flash flooding.”
BOM also warned that tides could be higher than normal between Port Douglas and Airlie Beach over the weekend, but should not exceed the highest tide of the year.
It is forecast to become a hurricane for a short period of 6 to 12 hours before returning to tropical lows on Sunday.
Although direct impact from the tropical cyclone is unlikely, BOM has also issued a severe weather warning along the coast north of Cooktown and south of Mackay.
“Prepare now”
On Friday night Queensland Premier David Crisafulli urged residents to “prepare now”.
“If you know you’re in a low-lying area, now is the time to grab your sandbags and do this before an event. Get ready now,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“We take these things seriously and I know Queenslanders do the same. I’m just asking people to do small things today to help through this rainfall event in whatever way it takes.”
Mr Crisafulli said about 60 SES flood boats, several rescue helicopters and almost half a million sandbags had been deployed to the area.
15 councils have been activated for assistance, including primary producer support, loans, feed subsidies and small business support.
Residents living between Port Douglas and Airlie Beach, including Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville, Bowen and Proserpine, are asked to stay informed via the local government Disaster Control Panel or BOM website and app.
