Far North Queensland could see more rainfall for the week with the deluge set to target the regions from Townsville upwards to Cooktown.
Overnight since 9am Monday, Cowley Beach faced 189mm, Ingham had 133mm, Innisfail copped 116mm and just outside of Ingham, near Paluma, areas faced rainfall in excess of 250mm.
Sky News Weather Meteorologist Rob Sharpe said Monday was the wettest day of a recent “run of wet days” which had led to an increased flooding threat.
The wild weather has triggered a flood watch from Townsville to Cooktown.
Meanwhile, moderate flood warnings are in place for the Tully, Bohle, Herbert, Black rivers, and minor warnings for the Johnstone, Russell, and Mulgrave rivers.
Mr Sharpe said more rain was expected to come over the next few days for already flood-stricken towns.
He said “dark red pockets” of rain were expected to smash Ingham, Cardwell and Halifax with the potential to strike towns in and around Townsville.
“A lot of rain in the forecast. Gulf Country 100-200mm falls, 100-400mm falls in north-eastern Queensland, average of models still picking more than 200mm in the next four days alone,” Mr Sharpe said.
Senior Meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology Miriam Bradbury echoed Mr Sharpe’s words, forecasting the potential for rivers to respond quickly to heavy rain over the next few days.
The BOM has warned further showers and thunderstorms are forecast during Tuesday and for the next few days, which is likely to cause further rises along the Bohle and Herbert rivers.
“Remember: If it’s flooded, forget it. For flood emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. For life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000) immediately,” a BOM spokesperson said.
The Bureau said it would issue the “best available data” due to river gauges being repaired, after they were damaged in December 2023 from flooding in Northern Queensland.
