Heavy flooding in northern Queensland could be the worst in the region in more than 60 years

North-eastern parts of the state have been hit with about a metre of rain since Friday.

A woman was killed after her boat hit a tree and capsized.

Residents in six flood-prone suburbs of Townsville have now been told to evacuate their homes.

Sky News' Kaiser Shields says if the rain continues for the next few days it could be a record rain event for the area.