05 Jan 2021 | 08:04 PM UTC
Australia: Forecast heavy rainfall may cause additional flooding in Queensland through at least Jan. 9.
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding forecast in eastern Queensland, Australia through at least Jan. 9. Disruptions possible.
Event
A series of storm systems will bring rounds of heavy rainfall to portions of eastern Queensland, Australia, including Cairns, Townsville, and the Cape York Peninsula, through at least Jan. 9. Several rounds of rainfall have occurred in the area since mid-December, including from Tropical Cyclone Imogen, which made landfall in Queensland, Jan. 3. Forecast models indicate daily rounds of rain and thunderstorms will persist across eastern Queensland through at least Jan. 10.
As of early Jan. 6, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued the following warnings:
Severe Weather Warning: North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Coast and Whitsundays Forecast Districts
Flood Watch: North Tropical Coast between Daintree and Ayr
Major Flood Warning: Herbert River, Upper Burdekin River
Moderate Flood Warning: Murray River, Norman River, Paroo River
Flood Warning: Diamantina River, Gilbert River, Black River, and Bluewater Creek
Additionally, minor flood warnings are in effect for various other rivers and catchments across eastern Queensland. Officials will likely update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Forecast models indicate additional rainfall totals of 5-15 cm (2-6 inches) are expected across the hardest-hit areas over the coming days, including the northeastern coast of Queensland. Locally higher totals of up to 25 cm (10 inches) are possible. Lower amounts are expected farther south and west in Queensland. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides cannot be discounted in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. The storms may also bring rough surf and damaging winds to coastal locations. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports, including those serving Cairns (CNS). Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Coral Sea if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments prior to travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays, as well as potential supply chain disruptions, where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.
