Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Peninsula, North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, North West and Central Highlands and Coalfields Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:07 am Friday, 19 January 2024.

Severe thunderstorms ongoing but becoming more isolated.

Weather situation: Severe thunderstorms are ongoing this morning in parts of central and western Queensland, as well as along the monsoon trough in the north.

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 Townsville, Georgetown, Palm Island, Ingham, Rolleston, Springsure, Einasleigh, Lucinda and Mount Garnet.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Channel Country and Maranoa and Warrego districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

200 mm in 3 hours to 9:06 pm Thursday at Black Mt (northwest of Cairns)

123 mm in 3 hours to 10:50 pm Thursday at Mount Surprise (east of Georgetown)

60 mm in 1 hour to 11:50 pm Thursday at Downfall Creek Alert (east of Taroom)

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.