A significant flood warning has been activated for the Tully River in Far North Queensland following a deluge of heavy rainfall across the catchment area. The Bureau of Meteorology issued the alert as river levels began to climb swiftly, posing a potential threat to local communities.
Monitoring the Rising Waters
The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed the warning, noting that heavy rainfall observed over the Tully River catchment on Tuesday is directly causing the river levels to increase. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation at key locations, including the Tully River at Euramo. While the river level at the Euramo monitoring station was still below the minor flood level at the time of the alert, the consistent and heavy rain is expected to push it higher.
Meteorologists have indicated that the rising trend is likely to continue throughout Tuesday and into the night. The primary concern is that the water level at Euramo may reach the minor flood level (approximately 7.00 metres) by Tuesday evening. Residents in low-lying areas adjacent to the river are advised to stay vigilant and keep abreast of the latest updates from official sources.
Community Advice and Precautions
With the flood warning now active, emergency services are urging people in the affected region to take necessary precautions. The key advice for residents is to avoid driving, walking, or riding through flood waters under any circumstances. It is impossible to judge the depth or current of floodwater from the surface, making it an extremely dangerous activity.
Local communities, especially those near the Tully River, should prepare for possible isolation if access roads become inundated. The warning serves as an early alert to review household emergency plans, ensure important items are accessible, and to listen to local radio stations for updates. The Bureau of Meteorology has committed to providing another update on the situation by 10:30am AEST on Wednesday, or sooner if conditions change dramatically.
Broader Weather Context for the Region
This flood warning for the Tully River highlights the intense and variable weather patterns currently affecting parts of Queensland. The heavy rainfall triggering this event is a reminder of the rapidity with which river conditions can change in the tropics. The Bureau's proactive monitoring aims to give communities as much lead time as possible to respond to developing flood risks.
As the situation evolves, all information regarding flood heights, predictions, and warnings will be distributed through the Bureau's official channels. Residents are strongly encouraged to regularly check the Bureau of Meteorology's website and warnings page for the most current advice regarding the Tully River and other nearby catchments that may be affected by the continuing rain.
