During January 2008 a tropical low caused state-wide monsoonal rainfall that resulted in widespread flooding throughout Queensland. The Minister for Emergency Services declared 55 local Government areas impacted by the flooding eligible for assistance under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). State Emergency Service volunteers responded to more than 1000 calls for assistance as a result of the flooding.

The January floods of 2008 caused extensive damage over Queensland. Infrastructure including roads and railways were badly disrupted. Numerous houses were inundated by flood waters and a number of people were evacuated in the Emerald region.

The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2008 damage at $70 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $85 million.

South-east Queensland

On 4 January, light to moderate rain fell in this area resulting in flooding of major rivers including the Nerang Coomera Rivers, Gold Coast Creeks and the Logan/Albert Rivers with moderate to major flooding which lasted 1-3 days.

Far North Queensland

On 8 January, as ex-Tropical Cyclone Helen moved over Cape York Peninsula. The tropical low produced heavy rainfall causing river rises and minor flooding in the Tully River and adjacent coastal streams

Western Queensland

Between 11 - 20 January, a low pressure system created by Tropical Cyclone Helen brought about widespread rainfall. The rainfall resulted in fast river rises and major flooding on the Thompson / Barcoo Rivers Cooper Creek, Paroo River, Bulloo River, Warrego River, Dumaresq / Macintyre Rivers, and the Condamine / Balonne Rivers. 

Central Queensland

Between 10 - 20 January, heavy rainfall intensified over Central Queensland. This rainfall produced widespread flooding to numerous rivers including the Ross River, Haughton River, Don River, Pioneer River, Nogoa River, Fitzroy River, Belyando and the Burdekin River. Bogantungan, situated to the west of the city of Emerald recorded a four day rainfall total of nearly 700 mm.