Get ready for a wild weather ride along Queensland's tropical coast! A potential cyclone is brewing, and it's about to bring some serious rain.
The Bureau of Meteorology is keeping a close eye on a tropical low that's heading towards the mainland. This low-pressure system is expected to unleash heavy rainfall and could even develop into a category one cyclone. But here's where it gets controversial: there's a 30% chance of it becoming a cyclone, and no one can predict its exact path just yet.
Tropical Low 29U is currently lurking in the northern Coral Sea, and it's predicted to make landfall between Cooktown and Townsville sometime on Thursday or Friday. The region is already on high alert, with flood watches in place and communities still recovering from recent deluges.
Senior meteorologist Shane Kennedy warns that rainfall totals could reach up to 100mm in the affected areas, with isolated regions possibly receiving a whopping 300mm. And this is the part most people miss: the catchments are already saturated, so any additional rain will likely lead to river rises and potential flooding.
"Catchments are very wet, and we're expecting some river rises, especially on Thursday and Friday, and possibly into the weekend," Kennedy explains.
The Bruce Highway, a major route in the region, was temporarily closed due to flooding, causing disruptions for truck drivers and travellers. Some residents are still cut off by surface water and inundated roads, and the region is bracing for more rain.
"We're expecting a lull before the low arrives, with heavy rainfall contracting north in the meantime," Kennedy adds.
The Daintree Coast has already seen some of the highest rainfall totals in Queensland, with one weather station recording an impressive 334mm in just 24 hours.
And here's another twist: Tropical Low 29U could draw even more moisture across the catchments under flood watch after it makes landfall.
"Across the weekend, we're expecting Tropical Low 29U to move across land, but it may draw deep moisture across a broad part of the state," Kennedy says.
This means that even areas further south, like the eastern and south-eastern districts, could see an increase in rainfall later this week and over the weekend.
So, Queenslanders, it's time to batten down the hatches and prepare for some serious weather. And for those of you in other parts of Australia, keep an eye on the news and stay safe!
What do you think about these weather predictions? Do you think the cyclone will develop, or will it fizzle out? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
