HomeAUQueensland Braces for Monsoonal Deluge Amid Cyclone Development Concerns

Queensland Braces for Monsoonal Deluge Amid Cyclone Development Concerns

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Large parts of northern Queensland are preparing for more heavy rain, with experts warning a tropical cyclone could form by the end of the week.
The state has been battered by rain to begin 2026, with some areas receiving more than a metre of rain in a week.
This was the case for Cowley Bay, which had 1284mm of rain in seven days, whilst Townsville copped 500mm in the week ending on Monday.
Two people signal for help from atop a sinking car at Laura after flooding hit northern Queensland. (Supplied)
It has led to flooding across the northern parts of the state, with floodwaters sweeping cars away in the top end.

As the week kicks off, Queensland residents are experiencing a temporary break from the rain. However, this respite will be short-lived as a fresh weather system is poised to unleash more significant rainfall across parts of the state.

Meteorologists from Weatherzone have indicated that a monsoon surge originating from the Coral Sea is transforming into a low-pressure system, which is expected to make its presence felt on Queensland’s eastern shores.

Weatherzone’s expert, Ben Domensino, highlighted, “This system appears set to target the northern and central coasts of eastern Queensland from Friday into the weekend, with the potential to linger into early next week.”

He further noted that the heavy rainfall might reach inland, affecting areas in the state’s northwest that are already grappling with flooding.

Coastal areas from Rockhampton all the way to the top end are set to receive a barrage of rain this week in Queensland.
Coastal areas from Rockhampton all the way to the top end are set to receive a barrage of rain this week. (Weatherzone)
Weatherzone warns some modelling has predicted the system could even turn into a tropical cyclone before making landfall over Australia around Friday.

Whether or not this system escalates into a cyclone, Domensino cautions that its effects could be significant, particularly for those regions still recovering from previous floods.

“It will still produce lots of rain that will be falling into already saturated river catchments,” he said.

“Flooding will be a high risk from late this week and next week over parts of northern and central Queensland.”

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