Ingham Escapes Rainfall, But Queensland Coast Prepares for Potential Cyclone
While Ingham in Queensland has been granted a temporary reprieve from heavy rainfall, the coastal region is bracing for a potential cyclone that could bring severe weather conditions. Large parts of Queensland are on flood watch as a tropical low, with a moderate chance of reaching cyclone strength, lingers in the Coral Sea. Floodwaters have already cut the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Cairns, just north of Ingham. A monsoonal trough has established over the Cape York Peninsula, driving more wet weather over saturated north Queensland catchments in the interim. The tropical low, 29U, in the Coral Sea is about 900 kilometres east of Cairns. The Far North Queensland coast is already sodden from consistent heavy falls. Since 9am on Monday, some areas have received more than 200 millimetres of rain. The Mossman Treatment Plant received 225mm, the Rex Creek Intake station had 300mm, and 118mm fell on Craiglie. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood watch for the western Cape York Peninsula and North Tropical Coast. Flood warnings remain in place for the Herbert, Norman, Flinders, and Nicholson and Leichardt Rivers. The bureau warned further rainfall was a risk for the days ahead and would result in rapid rises in the catchments. The region's Local Disaster Management Group will remain on alert as the Hinchinbrook Shire monitors tropical low 29U. The Hinchinbrook Mayor, Ramon Jayo, said no bursts of heavy rain were expected in the short term and the Herbert River had peaked. The region, which was devastated by flooding in 2025, has been vigilant throughout the summer. 'The community has been in a state of preparation since January because the river has been jumping up and down like a yo-yo,' said Jayo. 'It is still a bit too far out to predict what its movements are going to be, but once we get to Thursday we will have a good idea. All we can do is watch and wait.'
