Townsville has experienced its heaviest rainfall in 27 years, with an impressive 301.4mm recorded in a 24-hour period from Tuesday morning. The majority of this rainfall occurred between 1am and 9am, resulting in significant flash flooding that caught residents off guard. Many woke to discover their homes and local roads submerged.
Among the worst-hit locations were Townsville Airport, which received 203mm of rain, and Apjohn Street in Horseshoe Bay, which recorded 223mm. The weather station on Magnetic Island’s Horseshoe Bay reported the highest figure at 351mm, highlighting the severity of this weather event. As a result of the flooding, several homes, previously affected in February’s deluge, faced inundation once again.
Though the intense rain subsided by the afternoon, the threat of flooding remains significant. Roads and bridges throughout Townsville became impassable, with closures extending to areas such as Muarnee and Cungella, including Magnetic Island. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued moderate flood warnings for the Bohle River, and minor warnings for the Tully River, indicating that the situation is still precarious.
Officials have strongly advised residents against driving through flooded areas, citing the dangers posed by unpredictable currents and hidden hazards. As the weather system shifts southeast, more rain is forecasted for today, which may lead to further rises in river and creek levels. The potential for isolated heavy showers persists, although conditions are anticipated to be less severe than those experienced in the last few days.
Authorities continue to recommend that residents keep their vehicles clear of trees, secure their homes by closing windows and doors, and stay vigilant as the situation develops. Flooding prevention and awareness remain crucial for residents as they navigate this challenging weather.