Inland towns in central and north Queensland desperate for rain have benefited from falls associated with a slow moving monsoon trough.
While the highest falls have been recorded on the north Queensland coast, drought stricken areas including Winton and Hughenden have received welcome rain.
In the 24 hours until 9am on Wednesday, Winton received 26mm, Hughenden 27mm and Richmond 55mm.
Hulberts Bridge, between Richmond and Cloncurry received a drenching with 158mm.
Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Harry Clark said there had been heavier pockets of rain around Winton and Hughenden, with more rain expected to fall on Wednesday.
“There are definitely some good falls out there, with some higher totals,” Mr Clark said.
“The falls have not made it much past Longreach yet, with only 1mm-2mm in the Blackall, Windorah areas but they are expected to increase (on Wednesday) so it’s by no means over for those who have not had rain yet.
“In inland areas we will see 10mm-30mm with isolated higher totals and thunderstorms.”
The rain has caused several road closures around the region, with the Landsborough Highway closed due to flooding between Cloncurry and McKinlay.
Nora Creek, situated about 10km outside of McKinlay, was sitting at 300mm while Rutchillo Creek wasat 400mm and rising.
The Richmond-Winton Road is closed at Corfield, as is the Corfield Richmond Road.
The Kennedy Developmental Road is closed at Lyndhurst, with boggy areas around Mc Kinnons Creek, while the Gregory Developmental Road is closed around Einasleigh / Mount Surprise.
On the coast, the heaviest falls were recorded between Cardwell and Mackay yesterday with most towns receiving 100mm-200mm.
Paluma had 370mm in the 24 hours to 9am on Wednesday, with Sandy Plateau between Mackay and Proserpine getting 375mm.
The Ross River Dam had reached 90 per cent this morning.
There is water across the Bruce Highway in several locations including north of Ingham, Rollingstone, and Guthalungra, with motorists advised to adhere to all road closures and warning signs.
There is a major flood warning in place for the Haughton River and Giru residents have this morning been advised to evacuate, or enact their flood plan.
Giru residents are being told to prepare for potential major flooding as the Haughton River levels continue to rise.
Burdekin Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the Haughton River is rising at Piccaninny, Powerline and Major Creek was at 2.8 metres in Giru and is expected to peak at three metres later today.
“The SES Giru Crew assisted by Ayr SES members are still in Giru and have been advising residents of the increasing river levels by way of loud hailers and door knocking where possible,” Cr McLaughlin said.
“Anyone who wishes to leave Giru is advised to do so now and drive with caution. Anyone who wishes to remain is asked to make necessary preparations.
“The Burdekin LDMG along with Giru Police and SES will continue to monitor this weather event, with heavy rainfall now expected to continue into Friday.”
A search and rescue operation was conducted at Table Top Station at Herveys Range to rescue four campers who were cut off by floodwaters.
Two women, aged 29 and 26, and two men aged 31 and 28 were stranded whilst camping on the long weekend.
Rescue helicopters from Townsville were unable to reach the group due to weather conditions and a mustering helicopter from Charters Towers was called to get the group to safety yesterday.
Mr Clark said the monsoon would contract northward away from the central coast on Thursday evening, with heavy rain to continue from Bowen and move into Far North Queensland by Friday.
He said inland areas north of the Flinders Highway may receive rain into the weekend.
