Recent images from flood cameras in the region show water has inundated roads.
© Carpentaria Shire CouncilRecent images from flood cameras in the region show water has inundated roads.
A 70-year-old man was found dead inside a car submerged in floodwaters at Normanton, as extreme rainfall continues to inundate large parts Queensland.

Police were called to Gulf Development Road shortly after 3pm on Tuesday, where the man was discovered dead.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli announced the death on Wednesday morning, saying the loss had deeply affected the local community in the north-west where the man lived.

"In the end, property can be replaced. People can't," Mr Crisafulli told Sunrise from Mount Isa, where he was inspecting flood damage.

The Premier said two weather systems had dumped extraordinary rainfall across the region, with some isolated areas recording totals exceeding those seen during the devastating 2019 floods.

"This is certainly not as widespread as that, but there are isolated pockets where people have had some really, really significant damage and some significant loss," he said.



Authorities warned conditions remained dangerous.


Forecasts show further heavy falls of up to 100 millimetres could hit parts of the northern goldfields, upper Flinders, north-west and central west districts over coming days.

Floodwaters have forced the closure of 37 roads across the state, including key sections of the Bruce Highway.

Mr Crisafulli urged motorists to avoid relying on navigation apps and instead check official updates.

"We've prepared for this event better than I've ever seen in Queensland history," he said.

Emergency crews are now focused on restoring access to cut-off areas, clearing landslips and delivering emergency fodder drops to stranded livestock.

Cattle have been moved from flood-prone areas, particularly around Hughenden, as graziers work to protect stock from rising waters.

Mr Crisafulli said emergency services had been bolstered ahead of the worst conditions, with health workers flown into western Queensland overnight and additional rescue resources deployed.

Swift water rescue teams, senior police, ambulance officers and SES volunteers have been pre-positioned across the region as authorities brace for further impacts.

"This is wet season rain, it's what happens in north and far north Queensland," he said.

"They are very resilient people."