The Australian Bureau of Meteorology forecast the potential for continued heavy rainfall and damaging winds into early February, with its intensity dependent on the trough's strength and position.
[3] By 4 p.m. local time on 2 February, some areas received more than 1,000 millimetres (1 metre (3 ft 3 in)) of precipitation, with Paluma recording over 175 mm (6.9 in) of rainfall within a three-hour period.
The Townsville Airport announced closure from 12:30 PM on 2 February due to the severe weather conditions, with airlines canceling and rescheduling services.
By 3:30 p.m. local time, the Ross River Dam reached a capacity of 163.8%, causing Townsville's disaster management group to close it to the public and halt traffic to the area.
[6][7] The federal government announced that the Australian Defence Force would work with Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads on a temporary fix for the bridge for emergency access.
A woman drowned in floodwaters at Ingham when a State Emergency Service (SES) boat capsized after striking a tree on Rutledge Street, prompting investigation.
[5] Due to the floods, major transport routes such as Bruce Highway were cut off in several places in early February, leading to numerous reports of produce supply shortages.
[2] Mandatory evacuations were ordered for six suburbs of Townsville designated as being in the "black zone", including Cluden, Oonoonba, Hermit Park, Railway Estate, Idalia, and Rosslea.
[5] The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation issued warnings about increased crocodile activity during the flooding, including in areas where they were typically not present.
Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese pledged the "full support" of both Queensland and federal governments, committing to provide all necessary resources to address the crisis.