The Bureau of Meteorology says the weather system causing flooding in North Queensland will gradually start to ease from Tuesday, but authorities warn intense rainfall and dangerous flooding will continue.

More extreme rainfall and higher frequencies of flooded rivers and flash floods around the world have a clear link to climate change and ongoing global heating.

Storms have already dumped more than a metre of rain in two days in parts of Queensland, engulfing homes, businesses and roads in muddy waters, authorities said. Aerial footage showed rural communities surrounded by the floodwaters,

Flood waters are rising in the Australian state of Queensland after heavy rainfall. The area between Townsville and Cairns in the north-east is particularly badly affected - a region that is also very popular with tourists.

Authorities are warning deadly flooding in northern Queensland is expected to worsen. More than a metre of rain has fallen between Townsville and Innisfail in the past five days due to a slow-moving monsoon trough.

Deadly floods have hit large areas of northern Queensland, from Townsville up to Cairns. Hotter seas and a late monsoon are key factors.