Heavy rain is lashing large areas of Queensland, with major flood warnings in place for rivers in the western and northern parts of the state.
The ABC reports that, in the outback, the Georgina River, Thomson River, Barcoo River, Bulloo River and Cooper Creek are all experiencing major flooding.
Severe weather warnings are in place for the areas anticipating the most rainfall, from Winton down to Cunnamulla.
“We are anticipating a lot more rain that will lead to further flooding … widespread road closures and the potential for community isolation,” senior meteorologist Angus Hines said.
Rising floodwaters have prompted authorities to evacuate Adavale in western Queensland.
Heavy rain has made driving conditions more challenging. PIC: Pexels
The ABC reports that the town’s population of about 30 will be airlifted to Quilpie, about 100 kilometres to the south.
Many areas have seen more than 100mm of rain, with the highest rainfall in the state yesterday was near Stonehenge, south of Longreach, with 227mm, and south of Charleville had 177mm.
Townsville is apparently close to breaking its annual rainfall record of 2400mm, set 25 years ago.
The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) warned residents and visitors of the potential for localised flooding and road closures.
Meteorologists say that the trough that brought significant rainfall to western Queensland is now moving towards the south-east corner of Queensland.
Bureau of Meterology Senior Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury told the ABC that more rainfall and thunderstorm activity was expected throughout the state on the weekend.
“In southern inland Queensland, we may see some heavy falls through those areas even away from the thunderstorms,” she said. “But as we move into the weekend, the rain is going to shift towards the east coast, so that means much of South-East Queensland will see its wettest day on Saturday,” she said.
It is only a few week ago that Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Queensland and New South Wales and caused significant flooding and multiple road closures … and disruptions to grey nomads.
Veteran traveller Jeremy Mark is in the affected area and says he is ‘over it’.
“I know that bad weather is part and parcel of life on the road in Australia but all of this rain is starting to get a bit old now,” he said. “I don’t mind a day or two here or there, but this isn’t what I signed up for after browsing the sun-drenched Grey Nomad brochures!”
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