A significant monsoon trough is delivering a very wet and dangerous Christmas to northern Queensland, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning of intense, life-threatening flash flooding across multiple regions.
Heavy Rainfall and Severe Warnings Issued
The weather bureau has activated a severe weather warning for parts of the North Tropical Coast, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, and Central West districts. The system is forecast to bring heavy to locally intense rainfall, with six-hourly totals potentially reaching 250 to 300 millimetres. Isolated 24-hour totals could be as high as 350 millimetres.
Areas under the warning include Townsville, Ingham, Ayr, and surrounding regions. The monsoon trough is expected to remain slow-moving, leading to prolonged and persistent heavy rain throughout Christmas Day and into Tuesday. This follows substantial rainfall already recorded in the 24 hours to 9am Monday, with Upper Bluewater receiving 194mm and Paluma 166mm.
Immediate Dangers and Community Advice
The primary risk from this weather event is dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology has stated that creek and river rises are likely, and roads may become impassable or be damaged by floodwaters. Residents are urged to avoid travel if possible and never to drive, ride, or walk through floodwaters.
Emergency services are on high alert, and communities are advised to closely monitor official forecasts and warnings. People should prepare their properties, secure loose items, and have an emergency plan ready. The situation is being described as dynamic and highly unpredictable due to the nature of the monsoon system.
Broader Impact and Outlook
The intense rainfall is not confined to the immediate coast. The warning extends inland to areas like Charters Towers and Hughenden, indicating a widespread impact. This Christmas monsoon event is a stark reminder of the volatile wet season conditions typical for northern Australia.
With the trough lingering, the heavy rain is likely to continue beyond Christmas Day, potentially disrupting post-holiday travel and recovery efforts. The community is being asked to stay informed through official channels like the Bureau of Meteorology and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services for the latest updates and instructions.
The key message from authorities remains clear: the combination of intense rainfall and the monsoon trough creates a high-risk scenario for flash flooding. Public safety is paramount, and all warnings should be taken with the utmost seriousness.
