Severe flash floods have struck north Queensland on March 19, 2025, following an overwhelming rainfall that measured over 300 mm (11.8 inches) in parts of the region, leading to significant disruptions in towns like Ingham and Townsville. With more than a month’s worth of rain falling within just eight hours, the area has been grappling with widespread destruction.
According to reports from The Watchers, the hardest hit regions include Ingham and Townsville, where the weather chaos has resulted in considerable flooding of homes and thoroughfares. In Townsville, one elderly man required urgent assistance after falling into floodwaters, exemplifying the dangers faced by residents amid this deluge of rain.
In Ingham, emergency crews were quickly dispatched to rescue two elderly women trapped in their cars on March 19, as flooding conditions rapidly worsened. In the crucial 24-hour period leading up to 09:00 AEST, Townsville recorded an astonishing 301.4 mm (11.86 inches) of rain, a figure that well surpasses its average monthly total for March of 188.9 mm (7.44 inches).
The storm peaked in intensity between 01:00 and 09:00 AEST on the same day when an astounding 241.4 mm (9.5 inches) fell—a stark illustration of the storm's ferocity. Comparatively, Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island faced even worse conditions, tallying 351 mm (13.8 inches) of rainfall.
Other notable rainfall totals included 147 mm (5.79 inches) at Townsville Airport and 132 mm (5.20 inches) at Louisa Creek, effectively turning roadways into rivers. As the rain persisted, a mesoscale low—a localized low-pressure system—contributed to the heavy rainfall rates, pulling moisture from both the northwest and east.
This recent weather incident comes on the heels of another catastrophic flooding event earlier this year. In February 2025, Townsville recorded unthinkable rainfall figures reaching 710 mm (28 inches) over a series of days, an event catalogued as rarer than a one-in-2,000-year occurrence.
The Bureau of Meteorology has reported ongoing thunderstorms and rainfall warnings for the Herbert and Lower Burdekin regions, indicating that more rain could follow. The thunderstorm warning highlighted the severity of the situation as emergency services continue to prioritize public safety.
As of March 19, many roads in Townsville remained closed due to the adverse weather conditions, including Railway Ave and Bayswater Road, leading to disruptions across the local transport network. The Townsville City Council also highlighted serious sewer system challenges due to the volume of rain, requesting residents to minimize water use until the situation stabilizes.
Overall, the impacts of the long-lasting rainy season have been exceptionally devastating, with flooding cutting off the Bruce Highway between Cardwell and Ingham and resulting in further warnings for the Bohle River and Bluewater Creek.
Emergency services responded to numerous incidents, including rescuing stranded motorists across the region. One woman, aged in her 90s, found herself in neck-deep water for a staggering 20 minutes before being rescued, showcasing the harrowing experiences faced by many.
The response from local authorities emphasized safety, with Andrew Robinson, Chair of the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group, urging residents to drive cautiously and remain aware of potential debris and displaced wildlife. He remarked, “There are significant road closures due to water over roads, so residents should adhere to road closure signs and be careful while driving.”
Official forecasts indicate that moderate rainfall will persist throughout the week, although the most intense periods will begin to ease as the rainfall begins to shift southeast. Six-hourly rainfall totals of between 120 mm and 160 mm continue to be logged, reminding residents that while some relief is expected, conditions remain precarious.
The situation remains dynamic, and the local community continues to rally behind each other as they deal with the ongoing challenges posed by the weather. Townsville residents are not new to severe weather events, and their resilience will be tested once again as they navigate uncertain conditions.
