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.

One person has died and thousands of others are under evacuation orders in Australia’s northeast after intense rain triggered dangerous flash floods that have inundated homes and businesses.

The devastating floods gripping Far North Queensland is taking its toll on the racing community, with as many as 10 racetracks in the region hit hard by the freak event.

The atmospheric factors behind north Queensland's deadly floods are very similar to recent floods in the region — and climate change is likely playing a role.

Heavy rain is forecast to continue across the region for at least another day as thousands flee from floods that have already claimed one life.

A woman has died in Australia and thousands have been forced to flee their homes after torrential rainfall caused flooding in northern Queensland. Authorities say waters will continue to rise and have warned of a "dangerous and life-threatening" situation.

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.

Residents in greater Townsville have been warned to leave by midday on Sunday as north Queensland continues to be smashed with rain.

Thousands of Townsville residents are being urged to prepare to leave their homes as the flood threat intensifies in North Queensland. Torrential rain is expected to continue until at least Monday, with potentially life-threatening flooding set to persist for many days.