Severe Weather Update 29 January 2024: Ex-TC bringing heavy rain and flooding.

Bureau of Meteorology

28 Jan 202403:05

Summary

TLDRWidespread heavy rain and storms across Queensland and northern New South Wales over the coming days are expected to cause flooding and flash flooding. Multiple flood warnings are in effect for central and southeast Queensland. A severe weather warning is current for areas south of Cloncurry that have already received over 200mm of rainfall. Residents, especially in highlighted flood watch areas, should prepare for potential property inundation over the next 48 hours. Stay updated on latest forecasts and follow all emergency advice.

Takeaways

😀 Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily brought heavy rain and flooding to western Queensland
😮 Over 200mm of rain fell south of Cloncurry, leading to road closures
🌧️ Widespread rain and thunderstorms also hit southeast Queensland and northern NSW
🚧 Flood warnings in place for central and southeast Queensland
😟 Flood watches current for large areas due to forecast heavy rain
⛈️ More rain and storms expected over next few days
😣 Isolated areas could see 200-300mm of rain
🏠 Potential for flash flooding and inundation of homes and properties
📱 Stay up to date with forecasts and listen to emergency services advice
🌀 Exact location of heaviest rain depends on development of low pressure system

Q & A

What areas of Queensland are seeing heavy rainfall and flooding impacts?
-Parts of western, central, and southeast Queensland are seeing widespread heavy rainfall and flooding impacts.
What was the main cause of the heavy rainfall in western Queensland?
-Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily brought heavy rainfall to parts of western Queensland, especially south of Cloncurry.
What rainfall totals have been recorded in the severely impacted areas?
-Some areas in western Queensland have recorded rainfall totals in excess of 200 mm leading to flooding.
Which other parts of Queensland and New South Wales are also seeing heavy rain?
-Large parts of southeast Queensland and far northern New South Wales are also seeing widespread rain and thunderstorms.
What types of flooding are likely from the forecast rainfall?
-The forecast rainfall could lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding in affected areas over the next 48 hours.
What impacts could the flooding have on communities?
-Flooding could lead to inundation of homes, properties, businesses and agricultural land in worst affected areas.
How long is the heavy rain expected to continue?
-Heavy rain is expected to continue through Tuesday, before slowly contracting northwards into Wednesday.
What determines where the heaviest rainfall will occur?
-The exact location where the low pressure system develops along the trough line will determine the heaviest rainfall.
What rainfall totals are possible in the next 3 days?
-Some areas could see isolated totals in excess of 200-300mm over the next 3 days.
What should people do to stay safe amidst the storms and flooding?
-People should stay up to date with forecasts and warnings, listen to emergency services advice, and monitor updates.