North-east Queensland braces for deluge of rain and possible cyclone

ABC NEWS (Australia)

North Queensland is bracing for a tropical low which is expected to bring heavy rain, flash flooding and strong winds, to an already saturated region. There's the growing possibility the system will become a cyclone before it makes landfall tomorrow night.

Transcript

00:00Darkening skies and increasing rain, a sign of things to come.

00:07At this stage there's about a 50 to 60% chance of a Category 1 cyclone.

00:11Much of the state's north, from Cairns to Airlie Beach, is on alert.

00:16Rainfall leading to flooding in already swollen catchments, that's the biggest risk.

00:21The system is expected to make landfall early Sunday morning.

00:24Dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding and riverine flooding are a serious risk.

00:31In Ingham, cane farmers are bracing for strong winds.

00:34We've been preparing, getting generators filled up, putting stuff away.

00:40Memories of last year's floods front of mind.

00:43We certainly don't want anything like that to happen.

00:46Some roads near Cairns are already impacted.

00:50This family racing home from Victoria before the storm hits.

00:54Yesterday we did like 18 hours in the car.

00:56Water restrictions are in force in Cairns, with residents told to use the taps only for drinking, cooking and showering.

01:03Put your eskies out, put buckets out, catch water as it's formed from the sky.

01:07Use that water to flush your toilet if you can.

01:09Meanwhile, the Cairns Mayor Amy Eden is facing criticism for leaving the country yesterday.

01:14I assume she's in Japan. I've asked her twice, including last night, and she hasn't told me where she is.

01:19I'm actually overseas at the moment, but very much plugged in.

01:22If there's a local disaster happening, the mayor should be here, and that's why I'm here in Townsville.

01:27If a cyclone does form, it will be known as Tropical Cyclone Koji.

01:31Regardless, the weather system will bring strong winds and torrential rains.

01:35Once again, motorists are being urged not to try their luck if the road is flooded.

01:40When you drive into flood waters, this is negligent activity.

01:43You are placing yourselves and your passengers at risk.

01:46Ferries to Palm Island have been cancelled.

01:49Pretty sure there's a cyclone coming.

01:52But today's conditions were perfect for thrill seekers in Townsville.

01:56Can't really get more fun than that, I reckon.

01:59Young fishers hoping the rain will push out more stock.

02:02BCF stocking up on some hooks and sinkers because I think it's going to be great when it starts raining again.

02:07For now, North Queensland prepares and waits.

02:11Mars

02:17sow

02:182

02:192

02:212

02:22goals

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