Far North Queensland is bracing for another bout of severe weather as multiple tropical cyclones threaten to wreak havoc on already inundated areas. Residents have faced intense rainfall this week, with rainfall exceeding 900mm recorded since Monday, leading to widespread flooding and road closures.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), heavy rainfall is set to continue, focusing particularly on regions between Cairns and Townsville. Senior meteorologist Angus Hines warned of more downpours. “We will have heavy rainfall across parts of the north-east once again, where the main watch area for Thursday will be the Whitsundays, the Central Coast and the Bowen area,” he explained. “But really, we could see heavy rainfalls anywhere north of Mackay.”
Recent floods have already triggered evacuations, particularly in Gordonvale, approximately 27 kilometers from Cairns, where emergency services attended 45 calls for help, primarily for sandbagging and roof tarping. Local Jack Stirling shared his apprehensions: “It should be right, mate,” he said, recalling how he spent the day filling sandbags after his home was inundated. He observed, “I came home yesterday to find my fence ‘gone… and a few other things were floating around the yard.’”
Adding to the disruption, the Cairns Regional Council faced criticism over the failure of flood management systems exacerbated by power outages compounded by king tides. This issue prompted significant local concern and discussions about preparedness. “The SES has increased its stock of sandbags and tarpaulins and recruited more volunteers since last year's wet season,” said Wayne Coutts, SES Far North area controller.
With meteorologists predicting up to 500mm of rain due to tropical weather systems, the BOM has placed flood warnings for several rivers including the Mulgrave, Russell, and Tully rivers. Hines noted, “Through the week so far, the rainfall numbers have been fairly remarkable,” showing recorded highs of up to 939mm near Cairns.
Flood watches remain in effect as communities remain on alert. The BOM reports three tropical lows off the coast of North Queensland, which have the potential to strengthen. One low is off Cairns, another is intensifying over the Coral Sea, and the last is positioned between Far North Queensland and the Northern Territory. This presents significant risk for local coastal communities. Community members are being advised to stay informed and prepare properly.
Councillor Brett Moller, who has been directly affected by the flooding, described the situation: “It was actually a sea of water out there; I was stranded.” He emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness: “When I took a limited drive, that's what I was looking at; a sea of water. It was just an amazing deluge.”
While many residents express resilience, acknowledging such weather is part and parcel of life in the region, Mayor Andrew Robinson urged vigilance. He stated, “It’s important to speak with your family and put arrangements in place for yourself and your pets. The second most important thing would be to have an emergency kit, so you can be self-reliant for up to three days.”
There’s also discussion among local councils, with Townsville City Council emphasizing preparedness to mitigate flooding impacts and manage emergency resources effectively. Zac Dawes, Townsville's emergency management chief, remarked, “It's definitely wise to be over-prepared than to be caught out if the weather worsens.”
The looming cyclone threat has raised worries about the stability of infrastructure and readiness for possible evacuations. The community is urged not to underestimate the danger of flooded roadways. “You don’t know what’s underneath the waters; the road could be washed away,” Robinson cautioned.
Finally, amid the threat of cyclones, those nearby are advised to monitor updates from the BOM closely as conditions continue to evolve. Local communities must remain prepare for every eventuality as they navigate the challenges posed by nature as January draws to an end.