Mount Isa could miss out yet again on the heaviest falls in the very wet weather that is predicted to hit the North West in the coming days.
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According to the latest update from the Bureau of Meteorology (11am Friday) a low pressure system will produce heavy rainfall and locally damaging winds for parts of the northwestern interior Friday and Saturday.
Senior Meteorologist Rick Threlfall said heavy rainfall and flooding with locally damaging winds are the main impacts.
He said 24-hour rainfall in the 75mm to 150mm range is forecast, with isolated falls of up to 300mm possible with thunderstorms.
A low pressure system lies near Cloncurry and it was expected to shift slowly further west during the next 24 hours.
"While rainfall may be welcome in parts of inland Queensland there is still uncertainty regarding the track of the low pressure system and where the heaviest falls will be,” Mr Threlfall said.
“At this stage it is expected to drift southwards towards the Central West district.”
“Areas of heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, are expected to accompany the low with its slow westward movement across the northwestern interior of Queensland today.”
The heaviest rainfall is happening over the northwestern interior between Cloncurry and Richmond with a total of over 90mm expected to fall in the next six hours.
Winton, Cloncurry, Richmond, Julia Creek, Kamilaroi Station and Middleton may be affected.
Punchbowl (near Julia Creek) recorded 73mm in the 24 hours to 9am Friday.
Etta Plains (north of Cloncurry) recorded 71mm in the 24 hours to 9am Friday.
A Flood Watch has been issued for the Central West, Channel Country and Gulf Rivers.
“Rivers level rises across remote areas could cause significant disruption to transport and isolation of communities for a long duration,” Mr Threlfall said.
“Due to recent shower and storm activity across parts of the Gulf, some catchments are already wet and as a result rivers are expected to respond more quickly with flood warnings possible.”
If the heaviest rainfall moves further south into the Central West, catchments are a lot drier, but significant rainfall may still result in river levels rising and flood warnings being issued.
With rain falling across north west and central Queensland today, police are urging motorists to drive to conditions and heed the message: if it’s flooded, forget it.
A number of drivers had been rescued after proceeding through flooded roads in the Townsville area over the last few days.
Police are warning drivers particularly around Mount Isa and Longreach areas to slow down, turn their headlights on and increase their stopping distance.
A police spokesperson said under severe storms or heavy rain bands, flash flooding can occur very quickly and without any notice – even on roads that you usually travel on without any issues.
“Flash flooding can cause significant structural damage to roads, so even if you think it looks safe, you can never be sure exactly what is underneath the water.”
Although the BoM has not mentioned Mount Isa in the weather warning locals have been preparing for a possible deluge by stocking up on the essentials.
Woolworths Assistant Store manager Debbie Drew said people are already buying up big but should not panic.
“We have a flood stock pallet we regularly update each week in the case of an event like that,” Ms Drew said.
“Buy what you would normally buy then another one on top of that,” she said.
Woolworths Long Life Team Leader Aaron Perry said they forecasted the stock needed in advance.
“Our dry stock has already gone to truck from Brisbane and there are no delays or road closures,” Mr Perry said.
“If the weather were to hit and flooding happened there may be slight delays but they would not affect the average shopper.”
