North Queensland is currently facing a flood ‘disaster’ as thousands of residents are urged to seek higher ground or evacuate their homes by midday.
Heavy rain continues to impact areas of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin and North Tropical Coast, extending from Mackay to south of Cairns.
Authorities have warned the incoming floods will be dangerous and ‘life threatening’ with thousands of Aussies warned to move to higher ground as soon as possible.
Cyclone-like rain totals have lashed Townsville and surrounds with forecasts of 200mm to 400mm expected through Sunday into Monday.
Residents have reported seeing rainwater seeping through their floorboards with fears the rain could reach to the second storey of buildings.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s Dean Narramore said the weekend rainfall could lead to flooded homes, businesses and properties, landslides and further road closures.
‘We’re likely to see widespread falls of anywhere from 200 to 400 millimetres almost on a daily basis, with isolated falls in excess of 900 millimetres possible,’ he said.
‘We could even be talking about places in excess of one metre over the next few days. That is an incredible amount of rainfall.’
Follow Daily Mail ‘s live blog below for rolling updates on the flooding in northern Queensland today.