Warning about risk of flash flooding

COINCIDING with a flood watch being declared for North Queensland, authorities have urged people to prepare for approaching severe weather and to listen to warnings.

Providing early advice of possible flooding within specified catchments close to Townsville, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a flood watch at noon on Monday.

It warned that moderate to major flooding was likely, especially given that a number of catchments were already wet from rainfall over the past few weeks.

“Widespread rainfall is expected across the flood watch area. Areas of isolated heavy and intense rainfall are also possible,” the bureau said.

“Minor flooding is expected from Tuesday evening, with widespread moderate flooding likely from Tuesday night. Isolated major flooding is likely with areas of heavy or intense rainfall.

“Dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is possible across the flood watch area. This rainfall is also expected to lead to transport disruption.”

Catchments likely to be affected include the Herbert River, Black River, Ross and Bohle rivers, Haughton River, Belyando and Suttor rivers to Burdekin Falls Dam, Cape River to Burdekin Falls Dam, Burdekin River to Burdekin Falls Dam, and Burdekin River downstream of Burdekin Falls Dam.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Leach urged Queenslanders to stay safe during the wet weather conditions.

“This summer’s flash flooding is a deadly reminder of its unpredictability and power,” Mr Leach said. “Catchments are already saturated, and we have seen how quickly people can be caught out when flash flooding occurs.”