Rivers Surge as Tropical Coast Records Over 1 Metre of Rain

CAIRNS: Large parts of Northern Queensland remain on high alert as a catastrophic deluge continues to batter the region, causing rivers to swell and triggering widespread flash flooding. Some coastal areas have recorded staggering rainfall totals exceeding one metre in just a matter of days.

The sheer volume of the deluge has stunned meteorologists. The Gilead River, southeast of Cloncurry, recorded 511mm in recent days—effectively receiving its entire annual rainfall in a single event.

500mm to 1,000mm+ recorded.

Approximately 700mm.

Approximately 600mm.

300mm and 200mm respectively, with more showers forecast.

A man died in Queensland floodwaters near Normanton on December 30.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) maintains flood warnings for several major systems, including the Flinders, Cloncurry, Tully, Herbert, Bowley, and Mulgrave rivers. While severe weather warnings for the north-west have been cancelled, forecaster Jonathan Howe warns that “pockets of heavy rain” from thunderstorms could still exacerbate existing flood conditions.

Tragically, the weather system has already claimed a life. On December 30, the body of a man in his 70s was recovered from a submerged vehicle in floodwaters at Normanton.

As we move into the weekend, the focus of the heavy rain is expected to shift south. Communities between Bowen and Townsville, extending down to Mackay and St Lawrence, are urged to prepare for further severe weather and thunderstorm warnings.

Premier David Crisafulli has officially activated disaster relief funding for affected local government areas. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and monitor the BoM and Queensland Government disaster websites for real-time updates.

“If it’s flooded, forget it.”