Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands and Central Coast and Whitsundays Forecast Districts.

Issued at 1:48 pm Tuesday, 4 February 2025.

Heavy rainfall developing around Cairns and continuing in the Whitsundays.

Weather Situation: Showers with possible embedded thunderstorms are streaming onshore on the North Tropical Coast around Cairns, and also about the Whitsunday coast, causing localised heavy rainfall.

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 Cairns, Hamilton Island, Yarrabah, Gordonvale, Airlie Beach and Redlynch.

128.4 mm recorded at Hamilton Island in 2 hours to 12:27 pm.

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.