Australia: Flood-related disruptions ongoing across parts of Far North Queensland as of late Dec. 18 /update 2

Flood-related disruptions are ongoing across parts of Far North Queensland as of late Dec. 18. Heavy rainfall in recent days associated with the remnants of Cyclone Jasper has triggered widespread flooding across the region. Jasper initially made landfall near Wujal Wujal Dec. 13, but the remnants of the system have stalled, bringing continuous heavy rainfall over the region. Rainfall totals of 50-85 cm (20-33 inches) have been recorded in eastern parts of the Far North Region Dec. 17-18. Many communities have been cut off due to flooded roads and several homes have been inundated with floodwaters. The Captain Cook Highway remains closed between Port Douglas and Cairns and the Bruce Highway is closed between Townsville and Innisfail. Around 300 residents from the Wujal Wujal area were evacuated Dec. 18; however, attempts to evacuate the entire area had to be suspended due to further severe weather and operations are expected to resume Dec. 19. The army and navy are providing support in response operations. Around 14,000 customers remain without power across the affected areas as of Dec. 18 and people in Cairns and surrounding areas are being advised to conserve water as treatment plants are not operational due to the flooding. No deaths or serious injuries have been confirmed as of late Dec. 18.

Cairns Airport (CNS) was closed after the runway was inundated by floodwaters Dec. 17, having previously suspended operations Dec. 12-14 when Cyclone Jasper first struck the region. The airport has announced that it will be serviceable to aircraft movements from Dec. 19; however, airlines are assessing their operations and procedures to determine when they will be able to resume operations and flight disruptions will likely continue for some time.

Rainfall is expected to ease over the region over the coming days; however, further showers are possible and the threat of flooding is likely to continue to affect the region for several days. As of late Dec. 18, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is maintaining the following flood warnings across the affected area:

• Major flood warning: Murray River

• Moderate flood warnings: Daintree, Herbert, and Tully rivers

• Minor flood warning: Barron River

• Flood warning: Mossman and Russell rivers

• Final flood warnings: Mulgrave River and Johnstone River Catchment

• Flood watch: Parts of the Cape York Peninsula

A severe thunderstorm warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds is in place for parts of Peninsula and North Tropical Coast and Tablelands forecast districts late Dec. 18 and marine wind warnings are in place for the Cooktown coast Dec. 18 and the Peninsula coast Dec. 19. Officials will likely update existing warnings in the coming hours and days.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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 downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

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. 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.