On January 15, capital cities such as Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, and Canberra either experienced showers or they were forecast. The nation is preparing for another week of heavy rain, particularly in parts of Australia that have already been impacted by severe flooding. A monsoon trough, along with a tropical low in Northern Territory, continues to bring heavy rainfall to parts of the country still recovering from past flooding.
In far north Queensland, areas between Townsville and Cairns received 24-hour rainfall totals of 100mm to 180mm, while Innisfail reported 290mm. Despite the heavy rain, the northern regions that were hardest hit by flooding in December did not receive the heaviest falls. The town of Degarra, already at a “breaking point” after severe flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, is expecting more rain. The Douglas Shire’s Daintree region recorded 30mm of rainfall overnight, adding to the challenges facing residents. Efforts to provide assistance to the affected communities have been hindered by landslides and evacuations, leaving residents waiting for help since the disaster struck.
In the Northern Territory, a tropical low southwest of Darwin brought heavy rainfall with 335mm dumped on Wadeye. Further heavy rainfall is expected across the western Top End, prompting severe weather warnings for the region. Meanwhile, in Sydney and surrounding areas, the State Emergency Service received 300 calls due to thunderstorms and slow-moving showers forecast for January 15-16, with the potential to cause flash flooding in some areas.