Focus on the BIG picture.
Monday, Oct 19, 2026

Queensland and Northern NSW Recover from Severe Weather as Floodwaters Recede

Queensland and Northern NSW Recover from Severe Weather as Floodwaters Recede

Emergency alerts cancelled and power restoration efforts continue in the aftermath of significant flooding.
Queensland is beginning to recover from severe weather events, with Premier David Crisafulli announcing the easing of rainfall and receding river levels, leading to the cancellation of emergency alerts statewide.

However, nearly 118,000 of the 450,000 homes that were without electricity during the adverse weather remain without power.

Energex, the local electricity company, is reportedly working tirelessly to restore power to affected households.

During a media briefing in Gold Coast, Premier Crisafulli emphasized the importance of the recovery phase, stating, "That is a significant amount," referring to the ongoing power outages affecting many families and businesses.

The state has been transitioning from response to recovery activities, with officials hopeful that the worst of the severe weather has passed.

Severe flooding resulted from the passage of an ex-tropical cyclone, causing rivers such as the Logan River at Beaudesert to peak above major flood levels at 10.72 meters.

Meanwhile, the Albert River at Beenleigh reached a peak of 6.02 meters, and the Bremer River peaked at 11.47 meters.

Although these rivers have begun to fall, the effects of the flooding are still being felt.

Significant rainfall figures have been reported across the region, with Upper Springbrook receiving the highest at 1,146mm, while Brisbane city recorded 513mm.

The cessation of emergency alerts provides a measure of relief for many residents, allowing them to start assessing the damage.

Following the extreme weather, 360 state schools reopened, enabling more than half of Queensland's school children to return to classes, subsequently aiding their parents in returning to everyday routines.

Premier Crisafulli noted that the reopening of schools increases access to essential services like healthcare.

The transport network continues to face challenges, with major roads, including the Warrego Highway, cut off at certain points.

Efforts are underway to clear blockages, with some routes, including the Cunningham Highway, having reopened.

While bus services are not fully operational, train services are currently maintaining a limited schedule.

In Ipswich, located east of Brisbane, major flooding impacted the area, but Mayor Teresa Harding expressed relief, stating, "It felt like we dodged a bullet," while noting that some families and businesses are still coping with flooding.

A full damage assessment is underway, with the local government emphasizing community support.

In northern New South Wales, evacuation centres are expected to close as the flood threat diminishes and waters recede.

Emergency crews in the Tweed region are conducting damage assessments, with several properties already classified as uninhabitable due to water damage.

Although major flood warnings have been lifted for many areas, approximately 7,500 homes and businesses remain without power

The Queensland government announced that six community recovery hubs will be established across south-east Queensland to assist residents affected by the disasters, aiming to provide the necessary support during this recovery phase.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Briefs Congress on Mission Timelines for Upcoming Uncrewed Lunar Exploration and Artemis Milestones
United States Department of Labor Initiates Targeted Wage and Compliance Audits Across Advanced Manufacturing and Construction Corridors
Federal Communications Commission Advances New Regulatory Rules Governing Wireless Spectrum Auctions and Rural Broadband Deployment Subsidies
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Allocates Multi-Million Dollar Federal Block Grants to Combat Urban Homelessness
Small Business Administration Introduces Expanded Low-Interest Loan Portfolios and Disaster Recovery Resources for Small Enterprises Facing Severe Weather
Department of Veterans Affairs Announces Major Infrastructure Investments in Digital Telehealth Platforms and Regional Care Clinics for Aging Veterans
Office of Personnel Management Issues Updated Federal Workforce Guidelines Requiring Increased In-Office Attendance Quotas for Civil Servants
United States Department of Health and Human Services Launches Nationwide Grant Initiative Targeting Chronic Disease Prevention and Healthcare Access
Federal Aviation Administration Accelerates National Airport Safety Inspections and Air Traffic Control Software Upgrades Following Near-Miss Incidents
Environmental Protection Agency Publishes Finalized Industrial Emissions Framework Drawing Immediate Legal Challenges from Trade Associations
Internal Revenue Service Briefs Congress on Enhanced Digital Tax Filing Infrastructure and Automated Customer Service Tools for Upcoming Tax Season
United States Department of Energy Coordinates Strategic Petroleum Reserve Inventories and Winter Power Grid Reliability Across Northern States
United States Department of Commerce Evaluates Semiconductor Supply Chain Security and Advanced Artificial Intelligence Export Controls
Pentagon Defense Officials Release Updated Strategic Planning Guidelines Prioritizing Advanced Hypersonic Systems and Indo-Pacific Interoperability
Federal Bureau of Investigation Leadership Testifies Behind Closed Doors Before Congressional Committees on Domestic Threat Assessments
Supreme Court of the United States Prepares for Landmark Judicial Term Addressing Federal Administrative Authority and Regulatory Power Limits
United States Department of Homeland Security Deploys Additional Enforcement Resources Along Southern Border Under Updated Executive Directives
Department of the Treasury and Federal Reserve Officials Monitor Global Financial Stability Amid Trade Policy Shifts and Energy Market Volatility
United States Senate Judiciary Committee Examines Justice Department Oversight and Federal Prosecutorial Discretion in High-Stakes Hearings
President Donald Trump Rejects Defense Secretary Proposal to Publicly Televise Federal Execution of Convicted Fort Hood Mass Shooter
United States House Republican Leadership Intensifies Border Security and Immigration Messaging Ahead of November Legislative Elections
White House Press Secretary Abruptly Departs Administration Position After Serving Only Five Days in Office Amid Intense Media Scrutiny
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio Embarks on Strategic Diplomatic Tour to Central Asia and India Focused on Commercial Diplomacy and Trade Deals
Tens of Thousands of Demonstrators Gather Across United States for No Kings Rallies Urging Early Voting Before Midterm Elections
President Donald Trump Waives Newly Enacted Congressional Sanctions Against Russia Sparking Sharp Bipartisan Outrage on Capitol Hill
General Services Administration Streamlines Federal Real Estate Portfolios and Disposes of Underutilized Government Office Buildings Nationwide
Department of the Interior Proposes Expanded Leasing Frameworks for Renewable Energy Development on Public Lands and Outer Continental Shelf
National Institutes of Health Directs Research Funding Toward Advanced Biomedical Innovations and Pandemic Preparedness Infrastructure
U.S. Trade Representative Negotiates Bilateral Economic Agreements and Resolves Tariff Disputes With Key Indo-Pacific and European Union Trading Partners
Federal Emergency Management Agency Coordinates Disaster Relief Deployments and Mitigation Funding for States Affected by Severe Seasonal Storms
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Prepares for Upcoming Commercial Lunar Payload Deliveries and Artemis Program Milestone Reviews
Department of Labor Investigates Workforce Compliance and Apprenticeship Training Expansion Across Advanced Manufacturing and Construction Sectors
Federal Communications Commission Regulates Spectrum Allocation and High-Speed Broadband Deployment Standards for Rural and Tribal Communities
Department of Housing and Urban Development Allocates Multi-Million Dollar Grants to Municipalities Addressing Chronic Urban Homelessness and Affordable Housing Deficits
Small Business Administration Introduces Expanded Capital Access Programs and Disaster Relief Financing for Businesses Impacted by Severe Weather Events
Department of Veterans Affairs Expands Telehealth and Mental Health Crisis Intervention Services for Aging Veterans Across Rural United States Communities
Office of Personnel Management Issues New Guidelines Governing Federal Workforce Remote Work Policies and Performance Accountability Standards
Department of Health and Human Services Launches Nationwide Public Health Campaign Addressing Chronic Disease Prevention and Healthcare Access Disparities
Department of Transportation Oversees National Aviation Safety Audits and Air Traffic Control Modernization Efforts Following Recent Regional Near-Miss Incidents
Environmental Protection Agency Finalizes New Air Quality Standards and Regional Compliance Frameworks Sparking Intense Lobbying from Industrial Stakeholders
Internal Revenue Service Implements Enhanced Digital Tax Filing Infrastructure and Customer Service Modernization Initiatives for Upcoming Tax Season
Energy Department Officials Coordinate Emergency Strategic Petroleum Reserve Management and Domestic Grid Reliability Measures Ahead of Winter Heating Season
Department of Commerce Evaluates Semiconductor Supply Chain Resilience and Advanced Technology Export Controls Impacting Domestic Manufacturing Sectors
Pentagon Defense Officials Advance Military Modernization and Indo-Pacific Strategic Posture Adjustments Amid Evolving Global Security Threats
Federal Bureau of Investigation Leadership Faces Congressional Inquiries Regarding Counterterrorism Intelligence Sharing and Domestic Security Assessments
Supreme Court of the United States Prepares for Upcoming Oral Arguments Addressing Federal Administrative Authority and Regulatory Power Limitations
Department of Homeland Security Implements Expanded Enforcement Protocols Along Southern Border Following Interagency Security Reviews and White House Directives
State Department Diplomats Navigate Complex Middle East Negotiations and European Security Demands Following High-Level Summit Discussions in Brussels
Department of Treasury and Federal Reserve Officials Monitor Global Financial Markets Amid Escalating Geopolitical Trade Pressures and Energy Commodity Volatility
House Republican Leadership Advances Border Security and Enforcement Measures as Immigration Becomes Central Flashpoint in Midterm Campaigns
×