Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 4:30 pm Saturday, 1 February 2025.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL LIKELY OVER NORTHEAST QUEENSLAND.

Weather situation: A low pressure system embedded within the monsoon trough is currently located off the coast near Lucinda, resulting in enhanced rainfall and winds about the vicinity of the low over the weekend. Very significant rainfall accumulations are expected due to the slow-moving nature of the low in an airmass rich in tropical moisture.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast between Cardwell and Ayr, and inland to the far eastern Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, including the towns of Charters Towers, Ingham, and Ayr. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 120 to 200 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 240 mm. 24-hourly rainfall totals up to 350 mm are likely.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also likely between Ingham and Giru, including Townsville during this period. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 200 to 300 mm are likely. 24-hourly totals up to 600 mm are possible.

A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.

Strong to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are also possible from Saturday afternoon for the islands and coastal fringe between Tully and Giru.

The potential for heavy, locally intense rainfall and damaging winds may continue into early next week subject to the strength and position of the trough and low.

A Flood Watch and various Flood Warnings are current for parts of northeastern Queensland. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Charters Towers, Townsville, Palm Island, Ingham, Ayr, Cardwell, Giru, Clare and Lucinda.

Rainfall totals from 9 am to 4 pm AEST:

223 mm recorded at Paluma Dam.

184 mm recorded at Trebonne.

176 mm recorded at Rollingstone.

173 mm recorded at Halifax.

164 mm recorded at Wallaman Escarpment.

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.