Australia: Remnants of Tropica Cyclone Kirrily to bring severe weather across interior parts of northern Queensland through at least Jan. 27

Remnants of Tropica Cyclone Kirrily are forecast to bring severe weather across interior parts of northern Queensland through at least Jan. 27. The remnants of the system were located between Hughenden and Winton as of Jan. 26 and are forecast to track generally westward across the affected area through Jan. 27, bringing heavy rainfall to the region. As of Jan. 26, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for heavy and locally intense rainfall across parts of Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West, and Central West forecast districts. Locations that may be affected include Cloncurry, Winton, Julia Creek, Richmond, Corfield, Stamford, Selwyn, Mckinlay, Iffley, Cloney's Creek, Middleton, and Kynuna. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 7-11 cm (2.8-4.3 inches) are forecast over much of the affected area, with localized heavier amounts of 12-15 cm (4.7-5.9 inches) possible in areas between Winton, Richmond, and Cloncurry. Severe downpours could trigger life-threatening flash flooding in affected areas.

A separate severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of Gulf Country and North West forecast districts to the west of the severe weather warning area. Damaging winds and heavy rainfall are forecast across the area, which includes Camooweal, Dajarra, Riversleigh Station, and Barkly. Flood watches and warnings are in place for several river catchments across Queensland, including a flood watch for Central West and Gulf of Carpentaria catchments. 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.