Dozens of Australia Day events are cancelled in Queensland after torrential rain sparks flash flooding - as homes are inundated and streets are turned into rivers
- Queensland has been battered by heavy rain, cancelling Australia Day events
- A monsoonal trough that has been dumping rain is gathering strength
- Two cyclone systems in recent months have already drenched the area
- Heavier rain that could result in flash floods is developing in the far north
- The highest falls have begun affecting Port Douglas and Cairns
Australia Day events have been cancelled in Queensland as heavy rain batters the region causing flooding in some areas.
A monsoonal trough that has been dumping rain is gathering strength about 135km southwest of Weipa.
If it develops into a cyclone, it will be called Savannah, the Bureau of Meteorology says.
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Australia Day events have been cancelled in Queensland as heavy rain batters the region causing flooding in some areas
A monsoonal trough that has been dumping rain is gathering strength about 135km southwest of Weipa
Some Australia Day activities have been cancelled or changed in Cairns, while authorities are warning people to avoid flooded waterways.
Queensland police's far north district acting chief superintendent Glen Pointing said two cyclone systems in recent months had already drenched the area.
'So it is not going to take much for river and creek heights along with other water courses to rise rapidly, creating significant risks to the many motorists travelling for the long weekend,' he said.
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'We are also mindful that it is still school holidays, and we ask parents to be mindful of where their children are playing, particularly with the temptations that increased water flows can bring.'
A cyclone watch is current from the Northern Territory/Queensland border to Karumba, including Normanton, Burketown and Mornington Island.
Some Australia Day activities have been cancelled or changed in Cairns, while authorities are warning people to avoid flooded waterways
Queensland police's far north district acting chief superintendent Glen Pointing said two cyclone systems in recent months had already drenched the area
A cyclone watch is current from the Northern Territory/Queensland border to Karumba, including Normanton, Burketown and Mornington Island
Heavy rain that could result in flash floods is developing across the far north, with six-hourly rainfall totals of 100 to 150mm.
The Bureau of Meteorology has also warned of heavier rainfall if thunderstorms develop.
Communities north of Coen have seen the highest falls so far, with heavy rain expected to begin affecting areas south of Port Douglas, including Cairns, on Saturday.
A flood watch is current for major catchments in the region.
The warnings come after a child was rescued from floodwaters in Brinsmead on Friday.
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