Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in North Tropical Coast and Tablelands and parts of Peninsula and Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:36 am Wednesday, 17 January 2024.

Possible heavy falls about the North Tropical Coast.

Weather Situation: A narrow convergence onshore combines with a very moist airmass to produce heavy rainfall accumulations about the North Tropical Coast

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Port Douglas, Innisfail, Mareeba, Mossman, Cooktown and Julatten.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Wide Bay and Burnett district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

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.