The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says the monsoon trough located over the Northern Territory is now directing heavy rainfall to areas across the Gulf country of north-west Queensland.

Moderate to major flooding is occurring in the Gregory River and tributaries, with some minor flooding in the Leichhardt River and tributaries.

A large area has received 200-300mm since New Year's day, with nearer 400mm around Mt Isa, where there's been flooding in the surrounding country. (See attached rain map).

The highest 24 hour totals to 9am Sunday included Herbert Vale 175mm, Gunpowder 132mm, Cloncurry 104mm and Mount Isa 66mm.

Flood levels are expected to remain around the major flood level during the next few days.

At this stage, BOM says no significant flooding is expected on the Albert River at Burketown, but warns that further rainfall is likely over the next few days.

Some rises continue in the tributaries of the Leichhardt River, with minor flooding in the Cloncurry River at Cloncurry.

Some rises are occurring in the lower Flinders River and tributaries and further rises to above flood level are possible, depending on further heavy rainfall.

The rainfall pattern is generally moving south-east and the heaviest rainfall during Sunday was expected in the Cloncurry area of the Leichhart River catchment.

Heavy rain and storms extending to east Queensland are expected as the monsoon trough moves south.

Other troughs are causing storms for NSW and eastern WA.

A broad ridge of high pressure is keeping skies mostly clear in the south.