Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 2:58 pm EST on Wednesday 17 February 2021

Flood Watch Number: 1

Flooding is likely across parts of the Flood Watch area from late Thursday.

Heavy rainfall associated with a deepening trough with embedded lows developing in the northern Coral Sea, will affect the Flood Watch area from late Thursday and into the weekend.

Heavy rainfall has fallen intermittently over the Flood Watch area over the last few days. In the 24 hours to 9am Wednesday, widespread rainfall between 50-130 mm has been recorded particularly along the coastal areas, with less rainfall recorded of less than 20 mm across the tablelands. Catchments are relatively wet and rivers will respond quickly to further rainfall.

Daily rainfall totals of 70-150mm are likely between late Thursday and Saturday, with locally heavier falls of 200 mm or more possible causing flash flooding associated with thunderstorm activity.

Riverine flooding is likely within the Flood Watch area.

Localised flooding and disruption to transport routes are likely within the Flood Watch area over the next few days.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Daintree River
Mossman River
Barron River
Mulgrave and Russell Rivers
Johnstone River
Tully River
Murray River
Herbert River

See www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings to view the current flood and cyclone products for Queensland.

For more information on the Flood Watch Service: http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtml

Flood Safety Advice:
This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and creeks should monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings.

Remember: If it's flooded, forget it.

For flood emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

For life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Current emergency information is available at www.qld.gov.au/alerts.

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219 at a low call cost of 27.5 cents, more from mobile, public and satellite phones.

Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/

Rainfall and River Conditions Map