Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 3:31 pm Thursday, 5 March 2026.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL DEVELOPING FROM THIS AFTERNOON

Weather Situation: Tropical Low 29U is offshore of Port Douglas, with heavy showers and thunderstorms extending along the monsoon trough through the Daintree and along the northeast coast to Innisfail. The low is expected to move onshore late tomorrow morning near Cardwell, but the heaviest rainfall is forecast to be further north of the system centre.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast on the North Tropical Coast north of Innisfail. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 and 160 mm are likely, and 24-hourly rainfall totals of 350 mm are possible. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible during this evening through to Friday morning, with six-hourly totals up to 220 mm.

Rainfall is expected to extend inland later on Friday as the low moves onshore. The location of any areas of heavy rain beyond Friday remains highly uncertain.

Various Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are current throughout Queensland, including for the North Tropical Coast and Cape York Peninsula districts. Please see https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Cairns, Port Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Yarrabah, Wujal Wujal, Cooktown, Atherton, Daintree Village, Laura, Mossman and Innisfail.

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.