The deluge of rain continues east of Mount Isa as several North West shires deal with the threat of flood.
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As of Wednesday morning a major flood warning for the Flinders, Cloncurry and Leichhardt Rivers, a minor flood warning for the Norman, and a flood warning for the Nicholson, Gregory, and Gilbert Rivers.
Major flood levels will continue to rise on the lower Flinders River at Walkers Bend during this week, while major flood levels are possible on the Cloncurry River at Cloncurry and upper Flinders River at Richmond with further heavy rainfall.
Rainfall totals of 50-330 mm were recorded in the 24 hours to 9am Tuesday over parts of the Flinders and Cloncurry River catchments, with 40-105 mm over parts of the upper Gilbert catchment.
No significant rainfall has been recorded across the Gulf River catchments since 9am Tuesday.
Moderate flood levels are easing on the Gregory River at Riversleigh following a moderate flood peak late Monday evening.
Downstream at Gregory Downs, moderate flood levels were expected to during the week.
Major flood levels are easing on the Leichhardt River at Kamilaroi and are steady downstream at Lorraine. On the upper Leichhardt River, Julius Dam continues to spill though levels are easing slowly.
Major flooding is occurring along the Flinders River at Hughenden to Richmond. Richmond had over 120mm overnight Tuesday.
The Ernest Henry Bridge at Hughenden has flooded twice and Mayor Jane McNamara said it could flood again on Wednesday with water through a couple of properties though no houses have been inundated.
Julia Creek is still recovering from the 233mm it got on Tuesday with McKinlay Council trying to contact all properties to check on their welfare.
Cloncurry has also had a soaking with 449.0mm for the month so far though food is making its way to town by plane and also to Mount Isa via the Territory.
Authorities say there is enough food in Mount Isa and people have no reason to panic buy.
Lake Moondarra sat at 88.1% at 6pm Tuesday.
There is no access south and east of Cloncurry with the Flinders and Landsborough Hwys both still closed due to flooding at several creeks.
Sunny weather is expected to return to the region by Saturday and with it the heat – a max of 35 is predicted.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
