Australia Weather News

The rain has begun falling in parts of northern Queensland, with some areas being warned of the potential for flash flooding into next week.

Particularly at-risk isolated areas in the state's north-west could experience daily rainfall totals in excess of 200 millimetres, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. 

Senior forecaster Felim Hanniffy said "widespread shower and storm activity" was forecast on Saturday across the "northern half" of the state.

Severe storms were possible from parts of the north-east tropical coast to the north-west and gulf regions, he said.

Some "localised intense falls" were also expected in parts of the far north-west and gulf, along with the north-east tropical coast.

Mr Haniffy said the rain was predicted to intensify and continue across several days in the north-west and gulf regions, with daily totals on Sunday possible between 100 to 200mm.

Isolated areas could get in excess of 200mm "on a daily basis", he said.

Extensive flood watches are also in effect across northern Queensland, after what had already been an extremely wet week. 

"We've seen seven-day rainfall totals up here, with just persistent shower and storm activity, of upwards of 200mm in some areas," Mr Hannify said. 

As the rain continued to fall on already wet catchments over the weekend, the BOM was warning of a potential "protracted flood event" into next week in parts of the north-west.

'Business as usual' as Mount Isa waits

In Mount Isa, in the state's north-west, locals were bracing for significant rain and the potential for cooler temperatures, which could be more than 12 degrees Celsius below average, according to BOM's forecasts.

Speaking on Saturday morning, Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae said rain had so far been light ahead of expected heavier falls into Sunday and next week.

"Everyone in Mount Isa is just watching and waiting to see what happens," she said.

"Our community is really well-prepared. This is cyclic for us.

"We have been cut off before, and we're expecting to be cut off for a short period of time."

For now, Cr MacRae said it was "business as usual" as locals waited for the rain and enjoyed the cooler weather.

"Our main concern is just keeping supplies in town," she explained.

Mount Isa District Acting Superintendent Paul Austin agreed that although residents were used to the wet season, people should be aware of what was to come.

"We’re starting to receive advice from the BOM of falls per day of 100 to 200mm and in some isolated areas up to 300mm per day," he said.

He said that graziers and property managers also needed to be mindful of a potential drop in temperature.

"Easterly winds will bring a fresh change, so it is a concern to us that there could be chill risk to livestock like we have seen in past weather events," he said.

Cr MacRae said farmers were also preparing, and did not expect a repeat of several years ago when hundreds of thousands of cattle were killed.

"They're hoping that we won't have the same situation as 2019, where the cattle were in a bit of a poorer condition because they had come off several years of drought," she said.

"The cattle are in good condition, stock numbers are a little bit lower … so we're not expecting the same situation … well, we're praying that we don't have the same situation."

In Cloncurry, 120 kilometres east of Mount Isa, the State Emergency Service began handing out sand bags on Friday.

The town received 120mm of rain in the 24-hour period to 9am on Boxing Day.

Rolling road closures and a warning to motorists

Holiday-makers were also being urged to monitor conditions and check road closures before setting out.

Rolling road closures due to flooding were reported on Boxing Day as water levels rose. However, conditions were changing quickly.

The most up-to-date information about road closures is available online.

Cr MacRae said her "main concern" was travellers who may not be aware of road conditions.

"We're hoping people make sensible decisions and they're patient," she said.

"People who don't really know the area don't understand that roads open and close periodically.

"They might be stranded in a small place for a period of time."

She said anyone who did not "necessarily need" to visit the north-west should consider waiting for a more predictable time.

Superintendent Austin said drivers should be aware of road conditions and check the latest advice.

"And if it’s flooded, forget it," he added.

Wet conditions for large swathes of Queensland's north were due to continue into next week as monsoon conditions set in to parts of the gulf.

The BOM's Mr Hanniffy said a coastal trough could also lead to heavy to intense rainfall on the north-east coast, particularly between Bowen and Cairns, early next week.