City battered by highest rainfall in 27 years after sudden deluge

The majority of the severe rain fell between 1am and 9am, with residents waking up to roads swamped and their homes inundated by flash flooding.

City battered by highest rainfall in 27 years after sudden deluge

Townsville was battered with 24 hours of record-breaking rain as large parts of north Queensland were left flooded by a sudden deluge.

The city received 301.4mm of rain from 9am Tuesday to 9am yesterday, making it Townsville's heaviest day of rain in 27 years.

The majority of the severe rain fell between 1am and 9am, with residents waking up to roads swamped and their homes inundated by flash flooding.

READ MORE: How much natural disasters are really costing AustraliansTownsville flooded March 2025

Yesterday's rain was reminiscent of the floods in February which saw the region smashed by 710mm of rain over 72 hours.

Some of the worst-hit areas included 203mm at Townsville Airport and 223mm at Apjohn Street Horseshoe Bay.

A weather station in Horseshoe Bay, on Magnetic Island, recorded 351mm of rain, Weatherzone reports.

Plenty of homes that were flooded in February have been once again inundated with rain.Rainfall in North Queensland

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The history-making weather event eased by the afternoon yesterday but the flood danger remains for residents caught off guard by the deluge.

Widespread flooding closed roads and bridges across Townsville, extending from Muarnee and Cungella including Magnetic Island.

A moderate flood warning remains in place for the Bohle River and there is a minor warning for the Tully River.Townsville floodedTownsville flooded March 2025

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More rainfall is forecast today as the weather system slowly moves south-east, which could result in river and creek level rises.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a flood warning for the Central Coast of Townsville.

The BoM said wet conditions may persist over the next few days however conditions won't be as severe, with isolated heavy showers forecast across the north and south-east.

Authorities have warned residents to never drive through floodwaters, to keep their car away from trees and to close doors and windows.

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