Australia: Adverse weather forecast across parts of Queensland through at least Feb. 1

Separate weather systems are forecast to continue to bring severe weather across parts of Queensland through at least Feb. 1. The remnants of tropical cyclone Kirrily are expected to continue to move slowly over western parts of the state over the coming days, bringing further heavy rainfall to parts of the region. Meanwhile, a low-pressure trough is expected to bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to southeastern and interior southern parts of the state. Many river catchments across northern and central parts of the state remain high following the severe weather brought by the passing of cyclones Jasper and Kirrily in recent weeks.

As of Jan. 29, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall across parts of Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West, Central West, and Channel Country forecast districts due to the remnants of cyclone Kirrily. Locations that may be affected include Boulia, Stonehenge, Selwyn, Mckinlay, Brighton Downs, and Middleton. Rainfall totals of 9-14 cm (3.5-5.5 inches) are forecast over parts of the affected area through late Jan. 30, with localized heavier totals of up to 28 cm (11 inches) possible. A severe weather warning for heavy and locally intense rainfall has also been issued for parts of Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, and Southeast Coast forecast districts in southeastern Queensland. Locations that may be affected include Toowoomba, Brisbane, Maroochydore, Gympie, Kingaroy, and Caboolture. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 8-12 cm (3.1-4.7 inches) are forecast across much of the affected area from early Jan. 30, with isolated higher amounts of 15-20 cm (5.9-1.9 inches) possible. Severe downpours could trigger life-threatening flash flooding in affected areas.

A separate severe thunderstorm warning for damaging winds and locally heavy and intense rainfall has been issued for parts of Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Maranoa and Warrego, and Darling Downs and Granite Belt forecast districts. The most intense thunderstorms over the coming hours are expected in parts of the Maranoa and Warrego and Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts.

Flood watches and warnings are in place for several river catchments across Queensland; as of Jan. 29, the BOM has issued the following warnings:

• Moderate flood warning: Warrill Creek

• Minor flood warnings: Barcoo, Bremer, Cloncurry, Herbert, Flinders, Logan, Norman, Paroo, Thomson, and Western rivers and Cooper Creek

• Flood warnings: Albert, Diamantina, and Gilbert rivers

• Initial minor flood warning: Bulloo River

• Flood watches: Georgina River, Eyre Creek, and parts of southern and central Queensland, including southeast Queensland

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours.

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 or a lack of 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 heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render further bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

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 employees' inability to reach work sites. Electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.