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Urgent flood warning as torrential rain smashes north Queensland: ‘Get as excessive as you’ll be able to’

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By ASHLEY NICKEL FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: | Updated:

North Queensland is in the midst of devastating flooding with more heavy rain on the way.

Heavy rain continues to impact areas of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin and North Tropical Coast, extending from Mackay to south of Cairns.

The rainfall has been fuelled by two tropical lows, which are unlikely to form into cyclones.

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.

The Bureau of Meteorology 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,’ senior meteorologist Dean Narramore 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 Australia’s live blog below for rolling updates on the flooding in northern Queensland today.

Residents warned to evacuate now

Authorities have given thousands of north Queenslanders an urgent evacuation order as flood water continues to rise.

Premier David Crisafulli emphasised the severity and urgency of the situation, warning residents not to be complacent.

He said the Herbert River has already reached 14.8 metres, close to the recorded 15.2 metre flood in 1967.

‘Some of the falls we saw overnight in different parts were, quite frankly, at incredible levels,’ he told ABC24 on Sunday.

‘If people are in a situation where they believe that is a prospect, don’t take the risk. Please leave and I just can’t be more clear about that.’

He said swift water rescue crews, including Water Police, SES and defence personnel, had been deployed in and around flood zones and urged anyone who felt they were in danger to call triple zero.

Floods less than one metre from record

Premier David Crisafulli has warned the Herbert River in Ingham has reached 14.8m.

‘To put that into context, one of the record floods that locals talk about is the 1967 flood of 15.2 metres – it’s at 14.8 metres and still rising,’ he said.

‘My advice to people there is, if it’s safe to do so and you believe you’re in danger, please go and be with friends and family.

‘If that’s not an option, there’s an evacuation centre at the Ingham State High School.

‘There’s no doubt that those levels are at historic levels.’

Pictured: Queenslanders preparing for the worst

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