Cyclone warning issued for North Queensland, life-threatening flash flooding possible

North Queensland is bracing for a cyclone. Image / Bureau of Meteorology

North Queensland is on high alert as a tropical low brewing off the coast threatens to smash into communities between Cairns and Townsville.

In its latest update the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warns of severe weather, including 250mm of rain in the next 24 hours as well as damaging wind gusts.

BoM meteorologist Angus Hines warns the tropical low could strengthen into a cyclone.

“On Saturday evening there is a high risk of tropical cyclone development, meaning the low-pressure area could become a category 1 tropical cyclone through the last few hours of the day on Saturday,” he said.

A tropical low (12U) located in the Coral Sea between the North Tropical Coast and Willis Island is continuing to move south-southwest, towards the Queensland coast.

The chances of the system developing into a tropical cyclone increased to 60%.

A cyclone warning has been issued for residents in the Port Douglas to Airlie Beach area, including Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville, Bowen and Proserpine.

“Heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, is forecast to develop just to the north of Townsville and extend south to Airlie Beach as the day progresses,” the BoM said.

“Locally intense rainfall, which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, is possible between Tully and Airlie Beach later today.”

The BoM also warns tides are likely to be higher than normal between Port Douglas and Airlie Beach over the weekend, but should not exceed the highest tide of the year.

It is tipped to be a cyclone for a short six- to 12-hour period before reverting to a tropical low on Sunday.

The BoM has also issued a severe weather warning north of Cooktown and down the coast to south of Mackay, although the area is unlikely to be directly hit by the tropical cyclone.

‘Prepare now’

On Friday night, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli urged residents to “prepare now”.

“If you know you’re in a low-lying area, now’s the time to get your sandbags and do that before an event. Prepare now,” Crisafulli said.

“We take these things seriously, and I know Queenslanders do as well, I’m just asking people just to do the little things today to help when this rainfall event does come in whatever shape it takes.”

Crisafulli said about 60 State Emergency Service floodboats, multiple rescue helicopters and almost half a million sandbags are prepositioned in the area.

Fifteen councils have been activated for assistance, including primary producer support, loans, fodder drops and small business support.

Residents between Port Douglas and Airlie Beach, including Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville, Bowen and Proserpine, are being urged to stay informed via their local government Disaster Dashboard, or the BoM website and app.

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