16 Jan 2023 | 01:14 PM UTC
Australia: Further adverse weather forecast across parts of the north-central coast of Queensland through at least Jan. 18 /update 1
Heavy rainfall forecast to continue across parts of Queensland, Australia, through at least Jan. 18. Flooding and disruptions ongoing.
Event
Heavy rainfall is forecast to continue across parts of the north-central coast of Queensland through at least Jan. 18. Heavy downpours in the area over recent days have led to widespread flooding and associated disruptions, which are likely to continue due to the further adverse weather forecast.
As of late Jan. 16, the BOM has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall over much of Central Coast and Whitsundays and parts of Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Highlands and Coalfields forecast districts. Locations that may be affected include Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, Collinsville, Hamilton Island, Sarina, Ayr, Nebo, Eungella, and Airlie Beach. The heavy rainfall will bring a threat of flash flooding for areas between Ayr and St. Lawrence for the remainder of Jan. 16 and through Jan. 17. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 10-18 cm (4-7 inches) are likely across the affected region, with isolated 24-hour totals of over 30 cm (12 inches) possible. In some areas of Central Coast and Whitsundays forecast district, localized intense rainfall could produce six-hourly rainfall totals of 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) and 24-hour totals of 40-50 cm (16-20 inches).
A flood watch has been issued for Lower Burdekin and Central Coast catchments and major flood warnings have been issued for the Don and Pioneer rivers. Further flood warnings of varying severity levels have been issued for other rivers across Queensland outside the severe weather warnings area. Strong wind warnings have been issued along the Mackay Coast Jan. 16-17, as well as for the Capricornia Coast Jan. 16 and the Townsville Coast Jan. 17. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Flood-related disruptions are ongoing across parts of the affected area following heavy rainfall in recent days. Dozens of motorists were stranded due to road closures along the Bruce Highway near Porsepine and were housed in emergency accommodation overnight Jan. 15-16. Floodwaters have inundated several other roads in the region and authorities are advising people to reconsider travel in the affected area. Full details on the latest road closures can be found here. Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) is closed as of Jan. 16 due to the adverse weather and landslides have been reported in the Eungella Range.
Hazardous Conditions
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 or a lack of 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 are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
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.
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. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds and large waves trigger hazardous sea conditions.
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.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
