"Devastating Floods in Northern Australia: From Rooftop Rescues to Unexpected Animal Encounters"

The recent flooding in Cairns, Australia, caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, has broken over a century of flood records in the region. The heavy rainfall was unexpected and resulted from the stalled movement of the cyclone, creating a stationary convergence zone that brought in moist air from the north and south. The mountains in the area also contributed to the continuous rainfall. This event is similar to the 2019 Townsville flood and the Kimberley flooding earlier this year. The lead time for forecasters was short, and the extreme and prolonged rainfall was unusual and complex. While severe weather has subsided, major flood warnings remain in place.