(Updated) Australia – Monsoonal Conditions Developing Over Northern Territory and Queensland, Says BoM

by in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, News

Update, 28 January 2020:

Emergency services in Queensland rescued a man stranded in floodwaters near Townsville in the north of the state.

Localised flooding and a rock slide was reported in Townsville, scene of catastrophic flooding in January last year. State Emergency Services said they received a round 20 calls for assistance.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said around 170mm of rain had fallen in the 48 hours to 09:00 27 Janaury in northern parts of the city.

“However, we have seen much smaller falls, around 50mm, in the dam catchment,” Councillor Hill said.

“The clear advice from the Bureau of Meteorology is that this is a different weather system to last year’s monsoon event.

“Council officers will continue to monitor the situation and liaise with the Bureau and provide advice to Townsville residents as required.”

As of this morning, Ross River Dam was currently at 57 per cent of its full supply level, only rising by one per cent in the past 24 hours, while Paluma Dam was at 44 per cent.

“Townsville City Council remains in close contact with the Bureau of Meteorology and its advice is that steady rain will continue to fall for the next couple of days,” Cr Hill said.

“Residents wanting more information about the rain event can log on to Council’s emergency management dashboard at disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au for the latest information and weather observations.”

Meanwhile along the coast, some areas around Ayr have recorded 500mm of rain in 24 hours.

Flooding has cut some roads in the area. Queensland Police said: “Floodwaters are currently affecting the Bruce Highway at Ayr. The highway may be closed at short notice. Please exercise caution, drive to conditions and expect delays.”

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Queensland said via Social Media: “Some incredible rainfall totals recorded over the last 24 hrs. Intense rainfall recording over 500mm around Ayr, south east of Townsville, which itself received between 100-150mm. Elsewhere, Normanton (Glenore Weir 193mm) and Hughendon (Woodbine 130mm).”

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Original Report, 27 January 2020:

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) reported “Monsoonal conditions developing over the Northern Territory and Queensland, 23 January 2020”.

Since then flash flooding has been reported in parts of inland North Queensland following days of heavy rain. According to local media, roads have been closed in areas around Charters Towers and also Mount Isa.

Further heavy rain was predicted on 27 January, with 6-hourly totals of 100-200mm possible, increasing concerns of a repeat of the massive flooding that affected the Townsville area in January 2019.

On 27 January 2020 a severe thunderstorm dumped at least 75mm of rain in Townsville, according to BoM.

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