Cyclone threat looms for rain-battered North Queensland

Multiple cyclones may threaten a rain-hit region already bracing for another deluge after enduring flooding and a major road closure.

Heavy rainfall battered North Queensland overnight, with two people rescued from floodwaters after some areas received more than 300mm.

The Bruce Highway – the state’s major arterial – was closed in the north after significant falls caused by a tropical low off the coast near Cairns.

More rain and possible flooding is expected up to the weekend, with the chance of a tropical low in the Coral Sea developing into a cyclone as early as Thursday.

Another tropical low in the Gulf of Carpentaria could also turn into a cyclone by Sunday.

There was a 5 per cent chance that the Coral Sea low would develop into a tropical cyclone on Thursday, increasing to 25 per cent by the weekend, according to forecasters.

“The ocean temperature of the Coral Sea is about 28 to 30 degrees, so ideal conditions for further development. Whether or not it can sustain that development will be the real watch point,” the Bureau of Meteorology’s Jonathan How said.

The bureau is also keeping an eye on the low in the Gulf.

“The low-pressure systems, both in the Gulf of Carpentaria and in the Coral Sea … have the potential to develop into a tropical cyclone, with a moderate chance from Sunday,” meteorologist Sarah Scully said.