Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Gulf Country Forecast District.

Issued at 12:09 pm Thursday, 15 February 2024.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL AND DAMAGING WINDS DEVELOPING FROM FRIDAY MORNING.

Weather Situation: A tropical low in the western Gulf of Carpentaria is expected to strengthen over the next 24 hours and should cross the southern Gulf of Carpentaria coast as a Tropical Cyclone on Friday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for the Gulf Country from early Friday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 90 mm are likely. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 60 to 90 mm are likely, with 150 to 200 mm closer to the low.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible over the southern Gulf during this period with six-hourly rainfall totals exceeding 140 mm. 24-hourly rainfall totals exceeding 250 mm are also possible.

Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of up to 100 km/h are possible over parts of the Gulf Country from Friday midday.

A separate Tropical Cyclone Advice is also current. See http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/index.shtml for more information.
Flood Warnings are current for the area, please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Doomadgee, Karumba, Augustus Downs Station, Gregory Downs Station and Lawn Hill.

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.