Roads closing in Trevor's wake...
Explore Councils by state
The Landsborough Highway between Barcaldine and Winton was closed on Wednesday afternoon as rivers began rising across western Queensland in the wake of the downpour brought by ex-tropical cyclone Trevor this week.
There are currently major flood warnings for the Georgina River, the Thomson River and Cooper Creek, and moderate flood warnings for the Barcoo River and the Cloncurry River.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued minor flood warnings for the Bulloo River and the Western River, a flood warning for the Diamantina River, and flood watches for the Warrego and Maranoa region, as well as an initial minor flood warning for the Bohle River.
Longreach district police inspector Julia Cook said the Landsborough Highway had been closed between Barcaldine and Winton on Wednesday afternoon, with water over the road in multiple locations.
"There are lots of other closures on minor roads - this is a widespread event," Ms Cook said.
She emphasised that just because people were familiar with an area and may have lived somewhere all their life didn't mean they were not in danger when creeks were rising and roads were slippery.
"We can't emphasise often enough, if it's flooded, forget it," she said. "It's just not worth it."
Related: Trev turns on the tap
Ms Cook said at this point the closures would only be shortlived, unlike the 12-day road closures in north west Queensland in early February.
The glorious view on the western outskirts of #Blackall as ex #TCTrevor continues to bring rain to Queensland's central west. The scheduled #Qantaslink service aborted its landing moments after this was taken @qclnews#flashflooding#Barcoo River pic.twitter.com/q7udsma7wv— Sally Cripps (@sallyQCL) March 27, 2019The Georgina River at Marion Downs was at 3.14 metres and rising at 10.30 am on Wednesday. The level at Marion Downs was expected to exceed the major flood level (5m) by the weekend.
At Roxborough Downs it was 8.57m and steady, and at Glenormiston it was 6.9m and rising, and the Burke River at Boulia was 2.56m and rising.
In the Cooper Creek system, the Bureau anticipated major flooding in the lower Thomson River and Cooper Creek over the next few days after rainfall totals of up to 220 mm around Stonehenge and 300 mm south of Blackall were recorded.
At 4.30pm Wednesday, the Thomson River at Longreach was at 1.45 metres and slowly rising. It could exceed the minor flood level (3m) during Thursday.
At Stonehenge, the Thomson is at 3.33 metres and rising and is expected to remain above the moderate flood level (3m) overnight Wednesday into Thursday.
The Thomson River at Jundah was at 4.66 metres and river level rises to near the major flood level (5m) are possible during Thursday.
River levels are rising along the Barcoo River to Isisford. Based on readings at Blackall's automatic gauge, river levels were above the minor flood level (2m) on Wednesday afternoon.
River levels at Isisford were at 1.80 metres and rising at 7am Wednesday morning and it may exceed the minor flood level (4m) over the next few days.
Downstream of Isisford, there were minor flood levels at Glenlock on Wednesday. River levels at Retreat were expected to be above the moderate flood level (4m) and rising during Wednesday.
The Cooper Creek at Windorah (Long Crossing) is currently at 3.17 metres and rising.
It is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (4m) during Thursday and to exceed the major flood level (5m) during Friday.
The story Roads closing in Trevor's wake first appeared on North Queensland Register.