Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 7:27 pm Sunday, 15 February 2026.

Isolated embedded thunderstorms have redeveloped about the North Tropical Coast near Babinda.

Weather Situation: A broad area of tropical moisture extends over central and northern parts of the state. A surface trough lies through inland districts and is a trigger for clusters of slow-moving thunderstorms that are likely to produce localised areas of heavy rainfall throughout the evening. Over the North Tropical coast, isolated severe thunderstorms are embedded in a broader area of rain causing locally heavy falls in an area between Cairns and Innisfail.

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 Winton, Cloncurry, Richmond, Julia Creek, Stamford, Gordonvale, Mckinlay, Babinda, Cloney's Creek and Corfield.

Separate Flood Watches and Warnings are current for multiple parts of the state at the time of issue. For more information, check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

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.