Get ready for the rain

RAINFALL totals of 150mm in six hours are possible this weekend, as ex- tropical cyclone Owen wreaks havoc on North Queensland.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning at 5pm yesterday for heavy rainfall for people in Herbert and Lower Burdekin and parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands.

Heavy rainfall is likely to develop between Innisfail and St Lawrence tonight and tomorrow.

Meteorologist Harry Clark told the Bulletin yesterday that while there was “a lot of uncertainty still” around ex- TC Owen’s path, Townsville and the central coast of Queensland were likely to receive “very heavy falls”.

“Six- hourly totals in excess of 150mm are possible in the warning areas,” Mr Clark said.

“In Townsville itself, we are forecasting around 10mm ( today) but Sunday is looking at 20- 60mm and higher totals if you’re underneath showers and storms.”

Mr Clark said the former cyclone would likely approach the coast tonight and into Sunday, with the majority of rain to come from south of wherever it approaches.

“It should still remain fairly showery Monday and likely easing into next week and be partly cloudy by Friday,” he said.

The bureau is still forecasting up to 20mm for Monday with a chance of thunderstorms every day until next Friday. Meanwhile, a strong wind warning is in place for today for the Townsville coast.

“There’s a small chance there could be gales over the weekend as well. It’s not very great out on the water anyway so I advise people to keep an eye on warnings and conditions over the weekend to stay up to date,” Mr Clark said.

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