For the NORTH TROPICAL COAST: HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop during Friday and continue into Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 150 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 200 mm possible. East to southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with wind gusts around 90 km/h are also possible during Friday and Saturday, particularly about coastal areas in showers and thunderstorms.
For the HERBERT AND LOWER BURDEKIN and parts of the CENTRAL COAST AND WHITSUNDAYS: HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop to the west of Townsville from late Friday night and extend through the remainder of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin district on Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 to 140 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 180 mm possible. East to southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h are also expected about exposed coastal parts during Friday and continue throughout Saturday, as the winds shift northeasterly during the afternoon and evening.
Conditions could begin to ease about the North Tropical Coast by Saturday evening but may persist into Sunday over parts of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin. This is dependent on the development and location of the tropical low.
The low is being monitored closely and if further strengthening is likely then a Tropical Cyclone Advice may be issued.
Separate Flood Watch and Warning products are current for parts of northeast Queensland. For more information, check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts
Locations which may be affected include Cairns, Yarrabah, Wujal Wujal, Port Douglas, Hope Vale, Atherton, Mareeba, Palm Island, Cardwell, Ingham, Ayr, Townsville, Bowen, Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands.
Severe Weather Warning
for HEAVY RAINFALL and DAMAGING WINDS
Issued at 4:05 am Thursday, 8 January 2026.
Emergency services advise people to:
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 am AEST Thursday.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
Varoitus voimassa ke klo 20:05 - to klo 5:00
