Cyclone threat off Queensland coast may bring heavy rain

The Bureau of Meteorology says Tropical Low 12U east of Cooktown has a high chance of developing into a tropical cyclone and a flash tropical cyclone warning has been issued. Heavy rain and flooding are expected as the system approaches, with impacts likely within about 24 hours.

A tropical low east of Cooktown is moving toward Queensland's north coast and is expected to bring heavy rain. The Bureau of Meteorology said the system, Tropical Low 12U, had a high chance of developing into a tropical cyclone and issued a flash tropical cyclone warning. Officials said impacts were likely to be felt within 24 hours and the coast was projected to be crossed early on Sunday. Key points: - Tropical Low 12U is located east of Cooktown and forecast to move southwest toward the north coast. - The Bureau of Meteorology described a high chance of cyclone development and issued a flash tropical cyclone warning. - Widespread heavy rain and flooding are expected as the system crosses the coast, with impacts anticipated within about 24 hours. - Forecasters said the rain is likely to shift southward after landfall and affect central parts of the state in the following days. Summary: The immediate impact is likely to be heavy rain and flooding across parts of northern Queensland, and forecasters warned a larger stretch of coastline could experience flooding in coming days. The Bureau's timeline indicated impacts within 24 hours and a coastal crossing early Sunday, with further rainfall expected to move southward after that.