More heavy rainfall is on the way in north Queensland after flash flooding inundated homes across parts of the state yesterday. Several people had to be rescued from flooded homes at Bluewater north of Townsville with the fast-moving floodwaters taking locals and emergency services by surprise. More than six-hundred millimetres of rain has been recorded around Bluewater and more heavy rain is forecast.
Thirteen bushfire emergency warnings remain in place for Tasmania's Huon Valley and Central Plateau, amid fears a wind change could expose new areas to the fire front. So far, eight structures have been destroyed and over 170-thousand hectares have been burnt in the fires. 13 fire emergency warnings remain in place across Tasmania.
Britain's prime minister Theresa May will speak to the head of the European Council today in an attempt to break the Brexit deadlock. The commission reiterated overnight that the proposed agreement governing Britain's withdrawal is not open for re-negotiation. But Mrs May is seeking concessions on the most contentious issue — the fallback policy to prevent a hard border in Ireland.
And a deadly polar vortex has hit the United States. At least six people have died across several states, thousands of flights were cancelled, and schools, businesses and government agencies closed because of the deep freeze. The city of Chicago is expected to be colder than parts of Antarctica and it's mayor has urged residents to remain indoors.