Queensland : Days of ‘life-threatening’ flood warnings as Cyclone Jasper continues to wreak havoc

Storms with potentially damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding were forecast for parts of the southeast on Sunday evening.

Additional government and non-government personnel were called to the far north on Sunday to assist with the evolving situation.

Roads were closed throughout the Cairns area due to life-threatening flash-flooding with major arterial the Bruce Highway closed at 13 places between Cairns and Ingham on Sunday afternoon.

Homes, buildings, roads and bridges have been inundated while authorities also warned of landslides and the risk that vital services such as power, water, sewerage and telephone services could be cut.

Residents have been urged not to drive, to take shelter inside, and to stay up high, with people in the Barron catchment and Machans Beach, particularly at risk.

Jasper has reached the waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria as a low after dumping heavy rain on parts of the state for four days.