Tropical Low Heading to Queensland, Heavy Rain Expected

0:00Here's more Sydney news for March 3rd. A tropical low in the Northern Coral Sea is heading for Queensland's North Tropical Coast. The Bureau of Meteorology expects it to cross between Cooktown and Townsville on Thursday or Friday. There's a 30% chance it could strengthen into a category one cyclone. Heavy rain is on the way, with 50 to 100 millimeters possible, daily between Cooktown and Ingham, and isolated spots up to 202, 300 millimeters. Recent floods have already hit the area hard. Rows like the Bruce Highway north of Ingham were cut off earlier this week, straining travelers overnight. Floodwater is still draining, and some communities remain cut off by standing water. The region is soaked from earlier downpours, including over 200 millimeters along the Daintree Coast in the last day. A flood watch covers catchments that are very wet, setting the stage for river rises Thursday through the weekend. Experts say impacts will be similar, even if it stays low, with heavy rain and possible gale-force winds over coastal waters.

1:04A brief low might happen before it arrives, but moisture could spread widely afterward. Meanwhile, eastern parts down to the southeast may see extra rain late this week and over the weekend. In Western Queensland, floods from last week's deluges are lingering, with major warnings likely for several more weeks. This Daint story comes to you, thanks to our sponsor. Your pillow just got smarter. It plays your podcast and music. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com.