The 11am update had the worst of the wet heading south after it reached Cloncurry but the 5pm update now has the system hitting Mount Isa.

The BoM said a low pressure system now lies between Cloncurry and Mount Isa.

“This system is expected to shift slowly west further into the North West district during the next 24 hours,” the BoM said in its update.

“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 tonight and on Saturday.”

The BoM said damaging winds may occur near the low. Isolated locally destructive winds are also possible with thunderstorms.

“Currently the heaviest rainfall is occurring over the northwestern interior between Mount Isa and Richmond and six-hour rainfall totals in excess of 90mm are possible.

“Scattered 24-hour rainfall totals between 75mm to 150mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 300mm possible.”

Locations which may be affected include Winton, Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Richmond, Julia Creek, Duchess, Kamilaroi Station, Augustus Downs Station, McKinlay, Iffley, Cloney's Creek and Middleton.

Julia Creek has recorded 51mm since 9am Friday.

Mount Isa SES were allowing people to collect sandbags until 5pm.

SES Deputy Local Controller for Mount Isa, David Muston said we need to be resilient as a community.

“If people show initiative and try to help themselves before the event then that helps us as a service too,” Mr Muston said.

“We have to prioritise community assistance so it’s better to be prepared than reactive.”

“For non-emergencies call 132 500 and always 000 in an emergency situation,” he said.

Local Wade Krause filled 18 bags with sand and said he had come to get bags for himself but hung around to help fill more.

Mount Isa has had 23.2mm for the month so far while Cloncurry only recorded 15.6mm – a total that is expected to rise quickly

Higgins Storm Chasing’s Jeff Higgin’s said Cloncurry forecast model data was very consistent with falls of 250-400mm over the next 48 hours.

Cloncurry’s Clean Up Australia event for Sunday has been cancelled.

There are some road closures in the region:

Richmond Croydon via Cambridge (closed)

Taldora Rd (Closed at Flinders R crossing)

Nelia Bunda Rd (Closed at Sardine Ck, 12km north of Nelia)

Open to 4WD only:

Richmond to Winton

Maxwelton to Kynuna

Villadale Rd

Maxwelton-Frontage Rd

Runnymede-Bylong Rd

Richmond Coalbrook Rd

Richmond to Burleigh

Julia Creek to McKinlay

Julia Creek Punchbowl Rd

The BoM update is at 11pm tonight.