There's a 70 per cent chance La Nina will develop in Australia this year

The BOM says there's three times the chance of La Nina developing this year which typically means more rain and an increased chance of widespread flooding.

A man walks through flood water in Rosslea, Townsville, Saturday, 2 February, 2019. Source: AAP

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an alert saying there's a 70 per cent chance of La Nina developing in Australia this year, bringing cooler temperatures, more rain and an increased chance of widespread flooding.