Queensland braces for days of heavy rain as BoM issues flood warnings for parts of state
As of 27 December 2025, large parts of north Queensland are expected to endure days of heavy rain due to a broad and intensifying weather system that remains nearly stationary. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued severe weather warnings for heavy rainfall in the Gulf region and is expected to issue additional warnings for the coastal Townsville area. Flood warnings are currently active in the Gulf, with a flood watch extended to parts of north-western Queensland and the tropical north coast.
In the past day, approximately 100mm of rain has fallen around Townsville and Cairns, with the Mount Isa area receiving between 30 and 80mm, and isolated spots recording up to 120mm. An additional 100mm of rain is forecast for Sunday in the Mount Isa region. The monsoon trough inland and a monsoon low offshore, driven by very high sea-surface temperatures, are sustaining the rainfall, which is expected to slacken later in the week.
Rainfall is predicted to intensify on Monday, with 70 to 120mm expected, and pockets potentially receiving 300mm or more. Some areas across the region could see totals exceeding 500mm throughout the week as the system moves eastward. Authorities are concerned about the risk to livestock and plan to drop fodder if roads become cut off.
A moderate flood warning has been issued for Winton due to the Diamantina River expected to flood on Sunday. Additionally, a longer-term major flood warning is in effect for Walkers Bend in the Flinders and Cloncurry catchments, with flooding anticipated in Cloncurry today. Communities north of Townsville, around the Bohle River, may also face further flood warnings as the system progresses.
