Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands Forecast District.

Issued at 2:21 pm Sunday, 22 December 2024.

VERY DANGEROUS STORM WITH INTENSE RAINFALL OBSERVED AROUND MOUNT AUNT, NEAR MAREEBA.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands district. Locations which may be affected include Mareeba, Gordonvale and Babinda.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands district. Locations which may be affected include Mareeba.

MOUNT AUNT (NEAR MAREEBA) RECORDED 69 MM IN 30 MINUTES, AND 104 MM IN 1 HOUR TO 2:07 PM.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* 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.