[2] The 2019 Townsville flood was caused by a slow-moving tropical low, situated east of Mt Isa, embedded in a stalled, but vigorously active, monsoon trough.

Northerly, moisture-rich monsoonal air driven by the tropical low was encountered by coastal south-easterly winds, creating a convergence zone of unstable weather.

The rushing of water caused supporting rocks and concrete under one particular section of pathway to be eroded away, creating a dangerous hazard for pedestrians.

Notably, many locals volunteered to assist emergency services, evacuating trapped residents by boat from their flooded homes.

[9] In the later half of January 2019, a pulse of the Madden–Julian oscillation moved through the Australian region, where it strengthened a weak monsoon trough located north of the continent.