How often does Townsville flood?

Townsville has endured around 20 major flooding events since colonial settlement in the 1860s, but the 2019 event was one of the worst natural disasters to ever impact the region.

Where did the worst of the floods occur in Queensland?

Three-quarters of the council areas within the state of Queensland were declared disaster zones. Communities along the Fitzroy and Burnett Rivers were particularly hard hit, while the Condamine, Ballone, and Mary Rivers recorded substantial flooding.

Why is Queensland prone to flooding?

There are four main types of flooding experienced in Queensland. Storm tide flooding happens when a low pressure system or strong onshore winds force sea levels to rise above normal levels, creating a storm surge that can cause flooding of low-lying areas close to tidal waterways and foreshores.

Can flooding be caused by climate change?

Climate change will exacerbate extreme flood events but may decrease the number of moderate floods. They found that not only will extreme precipitation events occur more often and intensely, but also extreme flooding in this area.

How much rain fell in Townsville flood?

The Townsville floods followed sustained and heavy monsoonal rain that occurred between 27 January and 8 February 2019. Rainfall totals during this period reached a record high of 1,391mm at Townsville Airport weather station (Australia Bureau of Meteorology).

Where are the floods in Townsville?

In just 24 hours, 320mm of rain fell on the town of Ayr, south of Townsville. Mr Goodwin’s Bluewater property, north of Townsville, was inundated last January and February after a monsoonal low dumped 200 centimetres of rain over the region in a little over a week.

How long did the Queensland floods last?

The 2010–11 Queensland floods were a series of floods in Australia which began in December 2010 and ended in January 2011. The majority of the floods were in Queensland including its capital city, Brisbane.

What is Australia’s worst flood?

Floods in Australia

Does Brisbane flood?

Brisbane sits on a flood plain which means flooding is possible. Brisbane City Council works to manage and reduce the risks of flooding to ensure our city remains safe and liveable. Find information on the likelihood and sources of flooding for your property and local area with our Flood Awareness Maps.

When was the last major flood in Australia?

Floods in Australia

How does climate change affect flooding and drought?

Climate warming also increases evaporation on land, which can worsen drought and create conditions more prone to wildfire and a longer wildfire season. A warming atmosphere is also associated with heavier precipitation events (rain and snowstorms) through increases in the air’s capacity to hold moisture.