Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:42 pm Monday, 3 February 2025.

Heavy rainfall likely over northeastern Queensland this evening.

Weather Situation: An elongated low pressure system over the southwestern Cape York Peninsula is embedded within the monsoon trough which extends to the east coast near Lucinda, which is resulting in enhanced rainfall about the northeast coast of Queensland. While rich moisture and some instability will remain in place over the area, a gradual weakening of the low and monsoon flow will see the risk of heavy rainfall confined to more localised parts of the warning area later today and into Tuesday morning.

Areas of HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING are forecast between Tully and Giru, including Townsville, and inland to the far western Herbert and Lower Burdekin district. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 140 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 180 mm possible. This risk is expected to persist through tonight into Tuesday morning.

A small risk of localised intense rainfall with thunderstorm activity remains possible, mainly north and west of Townsville this evening and early Tuesday morning -- a separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.

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 Townsville, Palm Island, Ingham, Rollingstone, Cardwell, Giru 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.