Tropical Low Causes Flooding as it Drifts out to Sea; Warnings Still in Effect
Flood warnings are still in effect and a major highway is currently closed due to a tropical low that brought heavy rain to north Queensland.
Up to 340mm of rain fell in some areas within six hours, with widespread rainfall of up to 100mm.
Two individuals were trapped in their car by floodwaters in the Whitsundays, leading to a rescue operation on the Bruce Highway south of Airlie Beach on Friday.
Multiple flood warnings are still in place for rivers such as the Herbert River, Haughton River catchment, and Don and Bohle rivers.
The wet weather persisted on Saturday as the weather system moved along the tropical coast offshore of the Whitsunday Islands.
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The Bureau of Meteorology expects the trough to continue moving eastward and further offshore in the next few days, although the flood watch area’s catchments are already saturated from recent heavy rainfall.
There is a possibility of minor riverine flooding starting late Saturday.
On Sunday, there will be isolated to scattered showers and a chance of thunderstorms in northern and far northern Queensland, above Mackay to Hughenden.
Possible heavy rainfall with thunderstorms is forecasted north of Ingham and south of Weipa.
A gale warning is in effect for the Great Barrier Reef Offshore, and a strong wind warning has been issued for the Townsville and Mackay coasts.
