Teen dies after being swept away by ex-Cyclone Owen floods
A teen has died and two men have been rescued from their utes while flash flooding remains a major threat as heavy rainfall batters Queensland.
An 18-year-old man who had been swimming in Big Crystal Creek with friends about 4pm on Sunday was carried away by rapids in a flood-affected creek in Mutarnee, north of Townsville.
His body was recovered a short time later.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Owen may have downgraded but heavy rainfall is expected to continue as the tropical low tracks in a southerly direction parallel to the Queensland coast.
Vehicles were trapped in the Darling Downs near Dalby in rising waters, with two men rescued from their utes, The Courier-Mail reports.
Bureau of Meteorology manager Bruce Gunn said it was a low chance of redeveloping into a cyclone.
“There is a need for vigilance to remain high over the next day or two,” Mr Gunn said.
“The severe weather warning will contract southward.”
More than a dozen roads are closed to traffic including the Bruce Highway between Ingham and Cardwell, and also between Townsville and Ingham.
The bureau has issued flood warnings for the Herbert and Bohle rivers and is closely monitoring the Horton, Don and Pioneer rivers in Far North Queensland.
Meanwhile, the Baroon Pocket Dam has started spilling excess water because of the heavy rain.
State water supplier Seqwater is warning residents downstream of the dam to avoid fast flowing or deep water near waterways and floodplains. There may also be a danger to property.
Despite the rain event, almost 60 per cent of Queensland remains in drought.
“I know some parts are really crying out for rainfall still,” Mr Gunn said.
“If I could have steered that low straight southwards into western Queensland I would have. There are some people struggling with low rainfall totals but in some areas it has been a welcome relief.”
