Northern Queensland is bracing for a potential deluge as the weather bureau issues a flood alert. Heavy rain is forecast to batter the region over the coming days, with a monsoon trough bringing intense downpours to the northwest and Gulf Country. The bureau's senior forecaster, Jonathan How, warns that a tropical low and lingering monsoon trough will unleash heavy rain, with some areas expecting rainfall totals of up to 200mm. This could lead to prolonged flooding for many residents. The Flinders River is under a major flood warning, while the Cloncurry and Western Rivers are under moderate flood warnings. A flood watch has been issued for parts of northwestern Queensland and the north tropical coast, covering a vast area from Mackay to Cairns. Conditions are expected to intensify across the northwest, with rainfall totals of up to 100mm every six hours. Isolated falls could breach 300mm, and the rain is expected to shift eastward across the coast. People are advised to stay informed about the latest updates and warnings, as the heavy rain is anticipated to persist for at least the next five days.
