Australia: Adverse weather forecast to continue across parts of Queensland through at least Feb. 5 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast to continue over parts of Queensland through at least Feb. 5. The remnants of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily are currently located near the southern coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria as of Feb. 1 and are expected to stall over the region through Feb. 2, before moving southwards over western parts of the state through Feb. 5. A trough extending from the system is expected to bring further heavy rainfall to parts of the north-central coast through at least early Feb. 2. River levels remain high across many parts of the state following heavy downpours in recent days and lingering disruptions are likely in flood-affected areas.

As of Feb. 1, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for heavy and locally intense rainfall and damaging winds across parts of the Gulf Country Forecast District due to the remnants of cyclone Kirrily. Locations that may be affected include Mornington Island, Normanton, Doomadgee, Burketown, Karumba, and Augustus Downs Station. Rainfall totals of 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) are expected in the affected area Feb. 1-2, with localized heavier amounts and embedded thunderstorms possible. Winds gusting up to 90 kph (56 mph) are possible across northern parts of the warning area. A severe weather warning for heavy rainfall has also been issued for parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands and Herbert and Lower Burdekin forecast districts. Locations that may be affected include Palm Island, Ingham, Cardwell, Tully, Rollingstone, Abergowrie, and Lucinda. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) are possible in the warning area early Feb. 2.

Flood watches and warnings are in place for several river catchments across Queensland. As of Feb. 1, the BOM has issued the following warnings:

• Major flood warnings: Balonne, Condamine, Flinders, and Moonie rivers.

• Moderate flood warnings: Dawson, Diamantina, and Paroo rivers.

• Minor flood warnings: Barcoo, Bulloo, Cloncurry, Haughton, and Thomson rivers, and Cooper Creek.

• Flood warnings: Warrego River.

• Initial minor flood warning: Georgina River and Eyre Creek.

• Flood watches: Parts of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

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

Disruptions due to recent severe weather are ongoing across many parts of the state as of Feb. 1. Hundreds of roads were closed, several schools shut, and tens of thousands were left without power across southern and southeastern parts of the state after heavy rainfall swept through the region Jan. 29-31. The City of Moreton Bay opened six evacuation centers Jan. 31 for people impacted by the severe weather and several emergency alerts have been issued. Improved conditions are forecast in southeastern parts of the state over the coming days; however, lingering disruptions are likely to continue in flood-affected areas.

The remnants of Kirrily have been moving slowly across northwestern parts of Queensland in recent days and disruptions are ongoing in the region. Dozens of roads in the region are closed due to flooding, including sections of the Flinders and Landsborough highways. Queensland Rail Network has also had to close the Mount Isa line because of the flooding. Several communities are isolated due to being cut off by floodwaters, including Doomadgee. River levels remain high across much of the region and further heavy rainfall is forecast across northwestern Queensland over the coming days; additional downpours will likely exacerbate the flood situation and hamper ongoing recovery efforts.

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.