‘Rain Bomb’ Threatens Two States
By Hamish Spence and Daniela Pizzirani
A “rain bomb” is bearing down on two Australian states, with warnings of cyclones and potentially “life-threatening” flash floods.
Two Australian states are being challenged by mother nature as Queensland braces for flash flooding and Western Australia prepares to welcome a wild cyclone.
Queenslanders are being warned of another dangerous weather event with potentially “life-threatening” flash flooding occurring across the state.
South east, inland and tropical coast areas could receive up to 400mm of rain over the next few days after already dealing with heavy deluges across the Anzac Day long weekend.
A major flood warning is in place for the Cooper Creek in Windorah, with possible heavy rainfall from Tuesday potentially leading to renewed river level rises.
Moderate flood warnings are in place for the Thomson River at Camoola Park and the Eyre Creek in Bedourie, while there are minor flood warnings for the Barcoo River in Retreat and the Georgina River in the Marion Downs area.
There are also initial warnings for minor flooding along the Bremer River in Rosewood and the Warrill Creek in Amberley.
Sky News meteorologist Rob Sharpe said the predicted torrential rain could be “life threatening”.
“Some of the worst flooding is going to be in the outback parts of Queensland, but even closer to the coastline we could see some torrential rain at times with life-threatening flash flooding with this event,” he said.
“For Queensland as a whole, I’m thinking it will probably be one of the wettest Mays on record, probably in the top three.”
Parts of Queensland are being warned of more potential flooding this week.
Queensland emergency services are reminding the public to plan ahead if they are travelling around this week and to stay up to date with the latest weather and flood warnings.
The worst of the rain is expected to start on Tuesday and continue through to Thursday, but it could last for five days.
A strong wind warning is also in place for Sunshine Coast Waters, Moreton Bay and Gold Coast Waters on Monday.
Queenslanders are being warned to prepare for potentially “life threatening” flash flooding.
It is expected to continue in those areas, as well as the Capricornia Coast and Fraser Island Coast on Tuesday.
The Bureau of Meteorology will likely release new and updated flood watches later on Monday.
Across the country, minor flood warnings are in place for the Bogan River in NSW, with a peak of 2.9m expected in Mudall on Monday.
Minor flood warnings are also in place for the Culgoa River in Kenebree, the Culgoa River in Brenda and the Birrie and Bokhara rivers in Goodooga.
Bureau of Meteorology announces weather warnings in two states.
In Western Australia, tropical cyclone Karim was last spotted 700 km west of Cocos Island at 2am on Monday.
While it is forecast to intensify over the coming days, it is not expected to directly impact the WA mainland or offshore islands.
Despite it being the cyclone off-season, modelling shows parts of the state could receive 30mm of rain.
There are also marine wind warnings in place for the West Kimberley Coast and Pilbara Coast East for Monday and Tuesday.
Melbourne drivers are being warned of fog across the city’s inner, northern, eastern and south eastern suburbs and Dandenong Ranges on Monday.
In Tasmania, there are final flood warnings for the Coal River, Huon River, Macquarie River, South Esk River and the tributaries of the lower River Derwent.
There is also a final flood watch for south east and north east catchments.
