More than 16,000 livestock lost as flood levels keep rising in northern Queensland
Large parts of northern Queensland are preparing for more heavy rain, with experts warning a tropical cyclone could form by the end of the week.
The state has been battered by rain to begin 2026, with some areas receiving more than a metre of rain in a week.
This was the case for Cowley Bay, which had 1284mm of rain in seven days, whilst Townsville copped 500mm in the week ending on Monday.
Two people signal for help from atop a sinking car at Laura after flooding hit northern Queensland. (Supplied)
It has led to flooding across the northern parts of the state, with floodwaters sweeping cars away in the top end.

As the week kicks off, the rain is taking a temporary break, but this lull won’t last long. A fresh weather pattern is on the horizon, poised to deliver significant rainfall to areas of Queensland.

According to Weatherzone, a monsoon flow originating from the Coral Sea is expected to develop into a low-pressure system and make its way onto the eastern shores of Queensland.

“This system is anticipated to primarily affect the northern and central coastal regions of eastern Queensland starting Friday, persisting through the weekend, and possibly stretching into the early parts of next week,” explained Weatherzone meteorologist Ben Domensino.

Additionally, heavy rainfall is predicted to spread inland, potentially impacting flood-vulnerable areas in the state’s northwest.

Coastal areas from Rockhampton all the way to the top end are set to receive a barrage of rain this week in Queensland.
Coastal areas from Rockhampton all the way to the top end are set to receive a barrage of rain this week. (Weatherzone)
Weatherzone warns some modelling has predicted the system could even turn into a tropical cyclone before making landfall over Australia around Friday.

Whether or not this system escalates into a cyclone, Domensino cautions that it could significantly impact regions already reeling from previous flooding.

“It’s expected to unleash substantial rainfall into river catchments that are already saturated,” he noted.

“Flooding will be a high risk from late this week and next week over parts of northern and central Queensland.”