Northern/Central Queensland, Heavy Rainfall, Flash Flooding
 

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING
for DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL
For people in the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia and parts of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast Districts.
Issued at 3:21 pm Wednesday, 21 January 2015.
For Wednesday and Thursday.
At 3:15pm a number of severe thunderstorms were observed on weather radar within the warning area. 46mm of rain was observed in the 30 minutes to 3:10pm at Upper Monal Al, approximately 50kms east of Thangool. 64mm in 1 hour was observed at Williamson Raaf base near St Lawrence at 3pm. 42mm of rain in the 30 minutes to 3:15pm was observed at Emu Creek Al, approximately 50km south of Bowen. Locations which may be affected by heavy rain or damaging wind gusts in the next several hours include Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, Townsville, Collinsville, Ayr and Hamilton Island.
Synoptic situation
A major upper low pressure system over the interior of Queensland will deepen further during today and remain slow moving over the interior of the state on Thursday. A surface low pressure system will also remain slow moving over the west of the state.
Thunderstorms, some of which are likely to be severe, and rain areas will develop during today over central Queensland and become more widespread during tonight and Thursday, with locally heavy to very heavy falls of rain expected. 24 hour totals in excess of 250mm are possible. Damaging wind gusts of around 110 km/h are also expected with thunderstorms.
Severe thunderstorms may affect other parts of Queensland during today. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings will be issued as necessary.
A Flood Watch has been issued for central Queensland and coastal areas between Townsville and Bundaberg. Refer to that product for more information on possible river flooding.
Locations which may be affected include Townsville, Gladstone, Emerald, Rockhampton, Clermont, Mackay, Proserpine, Ayr, Bowen, Collinsville and Hamilton Island.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
The next warning is due to be issued by 9:25 pm.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at Australia's official weather forecasts & weather radar - Bureau of Meteorology or call 1300 659 219. The Bureau and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Re: Northern/Central Queensland, Heavy Rainfall, Flash Flooding
 

IDQ20890

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Queensland

FLOOD WATCH FOR CENTRAL QUEENSLAND AND COASTAL AREAS BETWEEN TOWNSVILLE AND BUNDABERG
Issued at 11:43 am EST on Wednesday 21 January 2015
Issue Number: 2

A trough over central Queensland with an embedded low is expected to deepen over the interior of the state during Wednesday, producing areas of heavy rainfall to the east of the trough from Wednesday through to Friday. The low should weaken and move off the Central Queensland coastline during Saturday.

Rain areas, showers and thunderstorms are expected with some heavy rainfall likely. Widespread daily rainfall totals of between 50 mm to 150 mm are expected, with locally heavier falls in excess of 200 mm possible with thunderstorms.

River level rises above the minor flood level are likely.

Heavy rainfall may also lead to localised flash flooding.

The Flood Watch area includes the following catchments: Black, Bohle, Ross, Haughton, Burdekin, Don, Proserpine, Pioneer, Fitzroy, Calliope, Boyne, Baffle, Kolan, Burnett, Condamine-Balonne, Warrego.

See Queensland Warnings Summary to view the current flood warnings for Queensland.

This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and creeks should monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop.

See Flood Watch in Queensland for further information about Flood Watch.

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.disaster.qld.gov.au .

Weather Forecast:
For the latest weather forecasts see: Queensland Forecasts

Next Issue:
The next Flood Watch is due to be issued by midday (12 pm AEST) on Thursday 22 January 2015.

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219.

Warning, rainfall and river information are available at Queensland Rainfall and River Conditions.