Dangerous flash flooding a concern as tropical cyclone lingers

Ms Palaszczuk said the Queensland disaster management committee would meet at 3.30pm on Monday to discuss preparations for the weather event.

She said she was “concerned” about possible flash flooding.

BOM forecaster David Grant said the cyclone was set to intensify to a category 2 on Monday night or Tuesday as it would cross the east coast.

“Our Tropical Cyclone warning is current for areas between Port Douglas and that’s recently been extended to Ayr and includes Cairns and Townsville,” he said.

“A heavy to intense rainfall and potentially dangerous flash flooding will be a risk for the tropical east coast over the next couple of days and as a result, a flood watch is current for coastal catchments between Cape Flattery and Ingham.