Australia: Heavy rains and flooding reported in Queensland January 27

Event

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood warnings in several locations throughout Queensland as of the evening hours (local time) on Saturday, January 26, through Monday, January 28, as heavy rains are expected to continue for several days. Officials indicate water levels are likely to exceed 10.5 m (35 ft) in the Daintree and Mossman rivers, while rain totals in Goldsborough reached 23 cm (9 in) over a 24-hour period as of Sunday morning, January 27. Moreover, authorities at Cairns Airport (CNS) recorded rainfall totals of 10 cm (4 in) as of 09:00 on Sunday, prompting flight delays and cancelations. A severe weather warning for heavy rains and high winds is in effect through Monday along the east coast of Queensland, from the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, to Herbert and Lower Burdekin. 

Advice

Individuals in Queensland are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate flooding and transportation disruptions, and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.