Premier’s warning of ‘unusually heavy rain’
PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk has issued a severe weather warning for parts of Queensland, advising people in the Far North to prepare for “unusually heavy rain” with some areas expecting to receive their highest May rainfall on record.
“We are expecting some severe weather next week. Most of this severe weather will be in Far North Queensland and out to the west of our state, and is going to be incredibly heavy rainfall,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“It’s very unusual to see this type of situation occurring in Far North Queensland especially this time of year, which is usually near the end of the season.”
The Bureau of Meteorology warned that areas between Cairns and Gladstone were expected to be the hardest hit.
Bureau of Meteorology community hazard officer Brooke Pagel said some areas in the region were expected to get as much as 300mm of rainfall.
“There is a high chance that some areas in Far North Queensland may get their highest May rainfall on records, with some isolated areas on the eastern seaboard between Cairns and Gladstone expected to get 250mm to 300mm or more of rain,” Ms Pagel said.
On Saturday, Cairns is forecast to get a shower or two with a top temperature of 30C, and more showers are expected on Sunday with the maximum temperature expected to hit 29C.
Meteorologist David Grant said the bureau would likely issue a flood watch for some areas on Sunday or Monday, with most of the rainfall due early in the week.
“Be mindful that many watches and warnings will be issued by the bureau over the course of the weekend or into early next week, and please stay up to date with them as they are issued over the coming days,” he said.
“The most likely onset of this rainfall event (is) starting on Tuesday.”
Those in the Cairns region who are thinking of spending Mother’s Day outdoors may want to rethink their plans, Ms Pagel says.
“It will be very wet on Sunday, with showers all day unfortunately, and also pretty gusty with 25km/h southeasterly winds,” she said.