Australia Weather News

Residents of the flooded outback town of Adavale in western Queensland are set to be flown to safety,  as floodwaters continue to rise. 

Heavy rain and flooding is expected to continue in the state today as stranded locals leave to find higher ground on rural properties.

Severe weather warnings are in place for the areas anticipating the most rainfall, from Winton down to Cunnamulla.

"We are anticipating a lot more rain that will lead to further flooding … widespread road closures and the potential for community isolation," senior meteorologist Angus Hines said.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting the rain band to move east towards the coast, where a downpour could hit closer to the weekend. 

Major flood warnings are in place for rivers in the western and northern parts of the state.

In the outback, the Georgina River, Thomson River, Barcoo River, Bulloo River and Cooper Creek are all experiencing major flooding.

Evacuation order in place

Rising floodwaters have prompted authorities to evacuate Adavale. 

The town's population of about 30 will be airlifted to Quilpie, about 100 kilometres to the south. 

Adavale has been isolated for several days after heavy rain in the region. 

There are reports of one person needing help in the township due to the rising floodwaters.

Resident Heidi Cowley said water had already inundated some buildings.

"We're in a two-storey house and [water is] up to our fourth step already … and rising very fast," Ms Cowley said.

"None of us expected it to come up as fast as it has."

There are currently 24 people in the town.

Hundreds of millimetres of rain have fallen in the area over the past few days and it is still raining.

Winton Shire Mayor Cathy White said roads in and out of the town closed yesterday, with the Longreach-Winton Road being assessed this morning.

"At the moment, we are isolated and our rural roads have been shut … so we are officially cut off," she said. 

At least three elderly residents have been evacuated from their homes in Winton after the shire received 260 millimetres since Monday, although conditions eased overnight.

Heavy rainfall will continue in the western interior with the 24-hour rainfall totals of up to 120mm likely and isolated totals of up to 180mm possible.

Meanwhile, around Townsville, the Bohle River and Haughton River are experiencing major flooding.

Flood-weary residents urged to remain vigilant

Residents in Giru, about 50km south of Townsville, are again on flood watch with the Haughton River at major flood level. 

Late yesterday, the Burdekin local disaster management group issued an emergency "act now" alert warning Giru residents to monitor the conditions as the river level climbs. 

Further showers and storms are forecast across the catchment over the next several days.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said locals in Giru and Jerona were prepared for the possibility road access might be cut off. 

"In the Giru township, unfortunately, this has happened to them a few times over the last couple of months, so they're ready and they're prepared for it," she said.

In Townsville, all walking trails on the city's famous Castle Hill have been closed due to landslips as the heavy rain continues.

Townsville received 115mm of rain to 9am yesterday, as the city tracks towards breaking its annual rainfall record of 2400mm before the end of March.

The city is also preparing for the prospect of high king tides, which could flood low-lying areas.

Outback graziers say 'never seen water like this'

Noonbah Station, south-west of Longreach, has recorded more than half a metre of rain since Saturday.

Grazier Duncan Emmott said the weather event had broken both daily and monthly rainfall records since record keeping began in 1910.

"It's a record flood, we're just not sure by how much because it's still rising,"  Mr Emmott said.

At Hickleton Station, also south-west of Longreach, Grazier Jack Quinn is considering seeking refuge on higher ground at his woolshed, with water reaching close to his home.

"We've never seen any water like this. We've seen a lot more droughts than we've seen rain, that's for sure," Mr Quinn said.

"If it gets into the house … we'll just camp in our vehicles with the dogs up at the woolshed."

He said the property was looking "quite desperate" and dry before the heavens opened.

"We'd just sold about a third of our cattle and we were really thinking that we were staring down the barrel of a really bad year," Mr Quinn said.

While the current flood event is causing some concerns, Mr Quinn said he was looking forward to "a great season when it's all over and done with."

South-east facing a wet weekend

The wet weather is tracking towards the state's south east in the coming days. 

Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast could receive more than 100mm between now and Saturday.

The sun is predicted to emerge again on Sunday ahead of fine conditions next week.