Townsville, Queensland is bracing itself for catastrophic flooding as relentless rains from a tropical low inundate the region. The latest warnings indicate the potential for more than 1000mm of rain to fall over the weekend, putting the community on high alert for flash flooding and severe weather conditions.
The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG), led by Chairman Andrew Robinson, has moved to alert status as the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issues severe weather warnings for the area. “There is no need to panic. What we need is for residents to go through their emergency plan with their households, have their emergency kit ready,” Robinson advised on January 31, 2025.
Townsville has already experienced considerable rainfall, with some areas reporting totals exceeding 500mm within just 72 hours. Residents are being cautioned to prepare for even more downpours, with predictions of another metre of rain expected, particularly between Townsville and Tully along the northeastern coastline. Higgins Storm Chasing has highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Forecast data has a real TC Jasper 2.0 or 2019 Townsville flood potential about it.”
Flooding has obstructed multiple roads across Townsville, making travel perilous. Significant road closures have been reported, including major intersections and access routes such as the Bruce Highway at Alligator Creek-Nome. With public transport suspended, many parents have been forced to brave the worsening conditions to collect their children from school and daycare.
Emergency services are urging residents to stay off the roads if at all possible. “Remember, if it’s flooded, forget it. Do not drive through flood waters. Do not put your life at risk,” cautioned Robinson. Local authorities are also advising against travel, emphasizing the dangers posed by flash flooding.
The BOM’s latest forecast suggests the worst is yet to come, warning of heavy rainfall with six-hour totals potentially reaching 180mm. “Looks like it could be really bad,” meteorologist Rob Sharpe remarked, noting the potential for the downpours to mimic the destruction witnessed during the Townsville floods of 2019. The Bureau noted the area could soon see rapid rainfall resulting from the system stalling near the coast, leading to intense rainfall spells.
Residents are being encouraged to have emergency kits prepared, including sufficient supplies for pets and loved ones who may have medical needs. Robinson emphasized home safety, calling for preparations based on individualized plans. “It’s not too late to still plan, decide what you are going to do if your house is inundated,” he noted.
A noticeable impact of the weather has been felt across the sporting community, with the Queensland Firebirds cancelling their regional appearances, citing safety concerns. The team was scheduled to visit Townsville and the surrounding areas but opted to withdraw as adverse weather conditions loomed. “The Queensland Firebirds have unfortunately made the decision to cancel planned Suncorp Regional Tours due to inclement weather,” they stated.
Community response has been swift, with local authorities setting up sandbag stations throughout the region to assist residents. Locations across Townsville are now supplying sand for residents to fill their own bags, but individuals have been urged to bring their own sandbags to facilitate preparation.
Social media has seen numerous posts highlighting the severity of the situation, with local residents sharing images and accounts of flooding, expressing concerns about submerged vehicles and rapidly closing roads. “Flooding everywhere in Townsville!” one resident exclaimed as they documented the deluge.
Despite dire forecasts, the power remains on across the region, and significant efforts are being made by emergency services to maintain safety, though reports indicate ambulances and police stations have faced blockage from floodwaters.
Looking back, the calamities of 2019 are fresh on residents' minds. The floods of January and February 2019 saw levels of water and rainfall unprecedented for the region. The Ross River Dam, at the time reaching its highest capacity of 247%, overwhelmed the area. Presently, the dam stands at 92%—an elevated but manageable level—for the moment.
For now, the TLDMG is asking residents to stay vigilant and informed through local channels. “We’re likely entering another weather period akin to the 2019 catastrophe, but we are prepared. Enhanced rainfall will still likely continue, though becoming more isolated,” said Daniel Hayes, BOM community information officer. All eyes will be on the forecast as this high-stakes situation continues to develop.