Queensland is on high alert this morning, preparing for significant and widespread flooding as an intense weather system continues to unleash record-breaking rainfall across the state's northern regions. Emergency services are closely monitoring the situation, with major concerns that this event could mirror the devastating 2019 floods that resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of livestock.
Widespread Deluge and Severe Warnings
A massive portion of the state is currently underwater and under an active severe weather warning due to the relentless, heavy rain. The cause is a slow-moving low-pressure system interacting with a trough, which is affecting a huge geographical area. Forecasters warn that the worst may not be over, with some locations expected to receive hundreds of millimetres more rain in the coming days.
A major flood warning is now in effect for the Gregory River. Since 9am yesterday, extraordinary rainfall totals have been recorded across inland areas. Fish Hole Creek has received 177 millimetres of rain, while Claraville recorded 149 millimetres. On the far north Queensland coast, approximately 400 kilometres to the east, South Mission Beach was drenched with 268 millimetres.
Communities Brace for Impact
The primary concern for authorities and residents in northwest Queensland is the potential for flooding on a scale similar to the catastrophic 2019 event. That disaster had a profound and lasting impact on rural communities and the agricultural sector. With the ground already saturated and river levels rising rapidly, emergency services are preparing for difficult days ahead for all affected towns and properties.
A State on Alert
All available resources are being mobilised as the situation develops. The combination of record rainfall totals and the forecast for further intense downpours creates a highly volatile and dangerous scenario. Residents in warning areas are urged to stay informed through official channels, follow the advice of emergency services, and have their flood plans ready.
The community's resilience is being tested once again as Queensland faces another severe weather crisis. The focus remains on ensuring public safety and minimising the potential damage to property and infrastructure from this major flooding event.
