Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands and Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:22 pm Thursday, 1 February 2024.

Heavy rainfall developing across the north Queensland coast tonight.

Weather Situation: A trough extends from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, over the Gulf Country and across to the North Tropical Coast district. A southeasterly surge is expected to sharpen the trough tonight with a risk of heavy rainfall developing about the coastal areas.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin and North Tropical Coast districts early Friday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 150 to 200 mm are possible.

Heavy rainfall is forecast to ease below warning thresholds late Friday morning.

A separate Severe Weather Warning for HEAVY RAINFALL and DAMAGING WINDS is current for the Gulf Country district. See http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Palm Island, Ingham, Cardwell, Tully, Rollingstone, Abergowrie and Lucinda.

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.