Locally heavy rain prompted flood warnings throughout eastern Queensland.Flooding began across northeastern Queensland Friday, when Tropical CycloneTasha made landfall near Cairns. Despite quickly weakening once over land, 3-5inches, with locally 10 inches, fell throughout the region Friday and Saturday.
Another surge of moisture moved onshore over southeastern Queensland Saturdayand Sunday, prompting flood warnings throughout the region.
Widespread reports of 4-8 inches came from the region, including 6.27 inches inRockhampton. This brought the monthly rainfall total up to 18.81 inches atRockhampton, more than triple the normal monthly average of 4.92 inches.
The deluge of rain will persist through much of the upcoming week.
Daily rainfall totals will average 1-3 inches in many areas, while localamounts can exceed 5 inches and prompt new floods.
Some of Australia's sugar crops have been hit exceptionally hard by the recentrain. Officials estimate around 18 percent of the sugar crop has been leftunharvested as a result of heavy rain, causing sugar prices to rise.
The heavy rain has also caused a temporary stop in wheat harvesting. Coalminers are also making plans in case of mine flooding.
Story by Rob Miller, Senior Meteorologist
