The rain is here but for how long

The BoM said a low pressure system lies over the northwestern interior of Queensland to the south of Mount Isa and the system is expected to shift slowly south over the North West district during today.

“Areas of heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, are expected to accompany the low as it shifts slowly southwards over the northwestern interior during the next 24 hours,” 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 Cloncurry.

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, Julia Creek, Boulia and Dajarra.

Since 9am Friday:

Black Gorge (southeast of Mount Isa has recorded 101mm

Miranda Creek (northeast of Mount Isa) has recorded 80mm

Cloncurry has recorded 79mm

The Monument has recorded 71mm

Julia Creek has recorded 59mm

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford urged residents in north-western Queensland to prepare for severe weather forecast for this weekend.

Mr Crawford said the weather system – packing heavy rainfall and strong winds – drenched Townsville.

“I’ve spent today inspecting the aftermath of the heavy rainfall which fell this week in north Queensland, resulting in about 80 SES call-outs,” Mr Crawford said.

“Apart from thanking our hard-working QFES personnel, I also acknowledged how the community heeded the safety warnings – and now as that same weather system moves west, I’m asking residents in its path to be vigilant.

“While rainfall may be welcome in parts of inland Queensland, it’s unclear where the heaviest falls will be. People in areas such as Winton and Longreach should be alert to the potential for roads near creeks and rivers to be flooded.

“Driving through floodwater is different than driving through non-flowing water – it is unpredictable and dangerous.

“The road surface beneath water that is flowing may be washed away, corroded or debris may be blocking the way.”

Mr Crawford encouraged residents to avoid travelling “unless absolutely necessary”.

“If you do have to travel, let people know where you’re going and pack accordingly because there is potential for you to become isolated,” he said.

“Take enough supplies to last several days, including items such as water, food and changes of clothes.

With the rain settled in parents may be wondering what to do with the kids over the weekend.

The North West Star has come up with a list of ideas.

Rainy day activities for the kids of Mount Isa and surrounds.

1. Take baking to the next level and whip up some ooblek for your budding young scientist.

2. Snuggle up on the couch together with a few good books and read

3. Play 'Simon says' or 'Hide and Seek'.

4. Build a cubbie house in the lounge room made from blankets, cushions and anything else you can find.

5. Have an indoor treasure hunt

6. Play indoor bowls - Grad some containers or empty water bottles and set them up in the hallway, then take a small ball and try to hit the bottles.

7. Learning magic tricks is always fun.

8. Play board games or even make your own game up.

9. Have the kids act out their favourite movie scene or character.

10. Play dress ups